ANCHORING THE EDUCATIONAL JOURNEY GSL's Strong Foundation for Joyful Learning
+ PLUS RE-ACCREDITATION BEGINS NEW SAINTS ON STAFF NEXT STEPS FOR CLASS OF 2019 2022-23 GIVING REPORT INTRODUCING THE ANCHOR FUND
In Middle School, our fifth through eighth graders go on day-long class retreats every fall to reflect on their goals for the year ahead, enjoy team-building activities, and strengthen their relationships. There’s also time to enjoy some physical play, like tackling a rock climbing wall! Margaret Colley ’25 was up for the challenge during this year’s seventh grade retreat at Bridges USA.
IN THIS ISSUE
PAGES
2 LETTER FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL 3 LETTER FROM THE BOARD PRESIDENT 4 CAMPUS LIFE 7 SAIS RE-ACCREDITATION 8 NEW SAINTS ON STAFF 10 ANCHORING THE EDUCATIONAL JOURNEY 14 INTRODUCING THE 2023-24 ANCHOR FUND 15 MEET THE ANCHOR FUND CO-CHAIRS 17 P.A. CONNECTION 18 NEXT STEPS FOR GSL’S CLASS OF 2019 20 2022-23 ANNUAL FUND RECAP 22 2022-23 GIVING REPORT 27 FROM THE ALUMNI DESK 28 LUKERS FOR LIFE: ALUMNI NEWS 32 SAINTS SUPERLATIVES 33 IN MEMORIAM
About the Cover Anchors are easy to find around the GSL campus! Our school symbol denotes strength and stability, signifying both the solid educational foundation we provide students, and the steadfast relationships that link our community. These Preschoolers will learn why GSL is an anchor for life as they advance through our school! Pre-Kindergartners Luca Krishnaiah and Gabriel Moreira are pictured here in front of Miss Lee’s Preschool with Junior Kindergartner Margo McDermott. Photo by Jeff White.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
2023-24
Ben Barksdale, President Kathleen Behnke, Vice-President Katrina Sanford, Secretary Jackie Butts, Assistant Secretary Simon Wadsworth, Treasurer Lauren Taylor, Assistant Treasurer Paul Morris, Past President Emily Callahan Andy Nix Natalie Davis Zach Pretzer Kate Durbin Paula Sappington Linda Khumalo Staci Somerville Allison King Andy Surber, Head of School The Reverend Ollie V. Rencher, Rector The Right Reverend Phoebe Roaf, Bishop, The Episcopal Diocese of West Tennessee George Johnson, Senior Warden Jenn Gibbs, Parents’ Association President
Head of School Dr. Andy Surber Editor Brenda Berry Managing Editor Marci Woodmansee Contributors Jenn Gibbs Juan Roncal Kate Shelton Photography Jeff White Marci Woodmansee The Anchor is a biannual publication of Grace-St. Luke’s Episcopal School. Articles are published at the discretion of the school. Comments and questions should be directed to Marci Woodmansee, Managing Editor and Director of Communications, at mwoodmansee@gslschool.org. FALL 2023
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LETTER FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
Dr. Andy Surber Welcome to the Show! GSL is a school founded on some amazing traditions, and we started a great new one last year: Opening Convocation. This special event takes place the first week of school and brings together our entire school community, from Little Lukers to eighth graders, and all faculty, staff, and church clergy. This service is one of celebration – highlighting the start of school, welcoming new members to the community, and recognizing the Episcopal values woven throughout the school’s ethos. The community sings together, prays together, and for those who choose to do so, has communion together. It is an honor to help with the planning and running of such an important event. After this year’s fun and inspiring Opening Convocation, I walked over to Miss Lee’s Preschool to spend a little time connecting with faculty and students out on the playground. There were students climbing on the play structure, chasing each other around the yard, and riding tricycles. One student pedaled his ride over to me and exclaimed, “Hey! I know you!” I paused and said, “That’s amazing, how do you know me?” With a quick side eye and grin, he said, “You were in the SHOW today!” Indeed, he was referring to my role in the Opening Convocation ceremony. His comment made me laugh out loud and reflect on the lenses our students use when experiencing an education at GSL. From Little Lukers through eighth grade, our program is built around student-centered, age-appropriate lessons presented by faculty and staff whose dedication, enthusiasm, and nurturing spirit are felt throughout the school. My little friend’s reference to “the show” did not mean some glitzy, over-the-top Hollywood production, but I like to think of it as high praise that he saw us as being at the top of our game. And to be honest, I am humbled to play a leadership role in our show here at GSL. As the year unfolds, I hope we all enjoy the many other traditions that help make us who we are and define us as a community. It’s the Celebration Chapels, the All-School Picnic, theater productions, sports competitions, the Citizenship Breakfast, Gardening Day, Honors Chapel, Graduation, and many, many more events that unite us as a community and engage us in learning. Please enjoy your read of this issue of The Anchor, which was created with love and care. We hope the stories and articles shared here give you a glimpse of all the great things happening in our community and with our alumni. I look forward to seeing you at “the show” very soon.
Andy Surber, Ed.D. Head of School
Pre-Kindergarten Terrific Tigers were excited when Dr. Surber came to visit and read to their class in September.
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LETTER FROM THE BOARD PRESIDENT
Ben Barksdale Dear GSL Community, Earlier this school year, GSL’s Board of Trustees had the opportunity to spend two evenings with members of the GSL Leadership Team. The information our leaders provided was wide-ranging, including — but not limited to — school division reports (Preschool, Lower, and Middle), finance/operations, technology, enrollment, and after school care programs. To say the least, it was time well spent that proved to be especially helpful for board members who aren’t on campus day in and day out. Beyond how informative those evenings were, I most admired how grateful the Trustees and Leadership Team are for the 50+ full-time teachers we have in our community. These are the individuals who nurture, educate, and listen to our children every day. It is inspiring to see how the GSL faculty ensure that all students thrive academically, socially, and spiritually from age two through eighth grade. Students and families feel that steadfast support and, beyond GSL, there is ample evidence of the lasting impact our teachers have on our children, helping form foundations for a lifetime: •G SL students continue to achieve beyond their grade school experience. Look at any issue of The Anchor magazine and you’ll read amazing stories and updates on GSL alumni – we have Lukers excelling in all walks of life! • Area high schools continue to seek out GSL graduates (eight different schools welcomed our Class of 2023 alumni into their communities this fall!). The reasons are simple – our students come in well-prepared and well-rounded. And just as important, they remain open-minded in and out of the classroom, and quickly become engaged in their new school communities. It’s so gratifying to see and hear stories of where GSL students have gone, where they’re headed, and just how close they remain to the GSL community. In so many ways, we have our teachers to thank for the roles they play in our students’ lives. I’m excited about the positive morale across campus. Whether at Miss Lee’s Preschool or on either side of Lemaster, our teachers are at the forefront, creating a welcoming educational environment that remains unmatched. To our great team of teachers, as well as the entire staff – THANK YOU! Measured by unforgettable student and family experiences, GSL will continue to thrive, and our teachers will continue to be a driving force for what makes this school such a special and unique place. As a community, we remain appreciative of all you do! Sincerely,
Ben Barksdale President, Board of Trustees
Like Father, Like Daughter: Ellie Barksdale ’25 reads in All-School Chapel on August 24; Ben Barksdale addresses the school community the same day during Back-to-School Night.
CAMPUS LIFE PRESCHOOL Anchor Artistry Little Luker Winslet Maddox enjoys painting anchors as part of a project to learn all about GSL.
Little Luker Lunchtime Routines These Zippy Zebras sing a handwashing song together each day, followed by a blessing, before enjoying their lunch!
Coed Playground, Coed World Pre-Kindergartners Ellis Powell and Wolf Shelton stop their game for a photo on the Preschool playground.
Imaginations at Work Athena Schattgen and Oliver Higgins do some building (and playing) with manipulatives during free choice time in Junior Kindergarten.
You've Got a Friend in Me Junior Kindergartner Charlie Olsen shares a hug with his bunny while waiting for pickup.
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LOWER SCHOOL
CAMPUS LIFE
Hanging Out with Joe Senior Kindergartner Jack Bagwell shows off his observational drawing of Joe the Ginkgo as Lower School Innovation Lab, Science & Technology Teacher Elizabeth Bayzie points out other characteristics of Joe to his classmates. Go, Saints! First Graders Grey Sullivan and Stella Reardon show their red & white school spirit at Homecoming.
Lukers for Life Second Graders Lalin Tas, Ryann Simelton, Margaret Willson, and Tia Sanford have fun during recess on the Lower School playground. May the Force Be with You Mystery Readers are a fun tradition in Lower School, and First Grader Brooks Cannon’s dad provided extra excitement when he showed up in costume to read.
Escribiendo en Español Fourth Graders Rowan Halpern, Jonas Pretzer, Miles McCarty, Tate Hoffman, and Bennett Jancelewicz review Spanish conversational words in their composition books at the start of school. Picnic Pals Third Graders Anna Sweeney Hannock, Layla Butts, and Meyers Pontius with Junior Kindergartner William Pontius at the All-School Picnic in September. FALL 2023
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CAMPUS LIFE
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Decisions, Decisions Campaign Week is a longtime tradition at GSL. Student Council candidates (and their campaign managers) use creativity and persuasive skills to get out the vote.
Lukers for Life! Seventh Graders Hayes Smith, Will Hagerman, and Zane Glassman enjoy the All-School Picnic.
Let’s Hear It for GSL! Seventh Grade Cheerleaders Callie Sanders, Morgan Lambert, Chandler Somerville, Tehani Kuo, Lily Jane Robertson, Margaret Colley, Zoe Pretzer, and Ellie Barksdale at an away game this fall.
Learning to Lead Middle Schoolers in the Thespian Society, Honor Society, Honor Council, and Student Council always spend a day Downtown in the fall for team-building and to plan for their organizations. These students also heard from GSL parent Lang Whitaker of Grind City Media, who reminded them of the value of persistence and hard work. 6
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RE-ACCREDITATION PROCESS BEGINS
By Juan Roncal, 6th & 7th Grade English Teacher & Accreditation Chair
For the past 75 years, GSL has remained a successful and sought-after school in Memphis’ competitive independent school market by adhering to the highest standards and striving to be the best school it can be. One way to achieve this is by periodically embarking upon a reaccreditation process to ensure our school is operating at the highest level and utilizing the best educational practices for our students. The accreditation, overseen by the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS), is a process of self-evaluation, peer review, goal setting, and fulfillment of compliance standards all aimed at demonstrating a school’s effectiveness and commitment to self-improvement.
will similarly review their policies and documentation to confirm that they provide exceptional service to students, alumni, community partners, and parents.
It is that time again for us, and throughout this year, GSL will prepare for a site visit in the fall of 2024 by an accreditation team of faculty and administrators from SAIS peer schools. This team will evaluate GSL by examining essential school documents, engaging in conversations with all constituents, and observing campus life. After visiting, the team will make a recommendation on whether to re-accredit the school, which affirms GSL as an exceptional school both academically and administratively.
We will also identify opportunities for growth and develop a new set of goals. In order to develop these goals, the school will hear from all community stakeholders, including faculty, parents, alumni, and students, to gain a stronger understanding of the areas of success as well as the areas where the school can enhance its processes. The self-study serves as a time of self-reflection, and will include listening to and surveying GSL’s parents, alumni, and student body.
In order to successfully complete the accreditation process, all facets of school operations must evaluate and self-reflect on their current procedures, ensure that every area is in compliance with SAIS standards, and develop a vision with goals for future development. This three-part approach – reflection, compliance, and goal setting – will prove that GSL abides by a set of widely accepted and lofty school-quality standards, and that the school’s goals align with its mission. Even though much of this process is compliance-based, taken as a whole, the underlying purpose of accreditation is to ensure an exceptionally high quality of student learning and student life for the children in GSL’s care. To prepare for the SAIS peer school visit, GSL will use the 2023-24 school year to accomplish two of SAIS’s accreditation requirements: complete a self-study and provide proof of compliance with more than 50 qualityassurance standards. Although this process will not be readily visible to our students, it still is inherently studentcentered. Teachers will use designated faculty meeting times to re-evaluate our curriculums and ensure that our teaching methods and materials are in accordance with our students’ classroom experiences. Other departments
Since GSL’s last accreditation in 2018, the school has undergone significant growth. In addition to adapting and evolving teaching methods as needed during the unprecedented pandemic, we eventually implemented two new curriculums (Math and Language Arts) in the Lower School, reorganized the leadership structure, expanded outdoor learning and recess amenities, and restructured the school’s faculty compensation model. Much of GSL’s reporting will be sharing our progress in these and other areas since 2018.
The learnings acquired through constituent input will shape and guide the school’s trajectory. Along with the goals we develop for SAIS, the school will form a comprehensive strategic plan to guide GSL for the next several years. “The process allows us to be introspective and thoughtful about where we are currently and where we hope to go,” says Head of School Andy Surber. It’s an exciting time to be a member of the GSL community as the school both refines its processes and thinks about the future. This is the first step in highlighting GSL’s areas of success, while also envisioning how the school might grow. Although much of this process will exist in the background of the student experience, accreditation provides the framework that will allow GSL to further enrich the lives of its students. After 75+ years of providing high-quality educational experiences, GSL is confident that it will once again prove its program is exceptional in all areas and receive SAIS’s stamp of approval.
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WELCOME New Saints on Staff
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e are proud to introduce 11 new faculty and staff members this year. Read below to learn more about their first jobs, favorite books and movies, the Grizzlies players (past or present!) they love best, and much more. It’s great to have these new #lukersforlife in our community!
GINA BEAGLE Preschool Administrative Assistant Hometown: Germantown, Tenn. Family: Husband Chris Beagle and four children: Kelsey (who’s taught at GSL for over 10 years), Kaitlin, Eli, and GSL alumna Lily ’21. Our pets include our dog Maggie, our cat Manchester, and our horse Milo. First Job: Danver’s Favorite Children's Book: Llama GINA BEAGLE Llama Shopping Drama by Anna Dewdney Favorite Movie: Places in the Heart Favorite Grizzlies Player: Jaren Jackson Jr. Favorite Sports Team: Memphis Tigers Best Thing About GSL: I enjoy greeting the preschoolers as they arrive every morning. JENNA BENCINI Senior Kindergarten Assistant Teacher (Savvy Seahorses) Hometown: Munford, Tenn. Family: Husband William and two children, Eleanor (JK) and Will (1st); my best friend is First Grade Teacher Jessica Muller! First Job: Waitress at Perkins Favorite Children's Book: Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise JENNA BENCINI Brown or Do Princesses Wear Hiking Boots? by Carmela Coyle Favorite Movie: Titanic, by far!! Favorite Musical Artist: Adele, who I saw in concert this summer! Favorite Grizzlies Player: Tony Allen Favorite Sports Team: North Carolina Tarheels Best Thing About GSL: The love and sense of community the minute I met the faculty! I've never felt so welcomed and appreciated right away; I truly feel like I'm making a difference.
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REECE CHADWICK Little Lukers Assistant Teacher (Jolly Giraffes) Hometown: Memphis Family: Three sisters and one brother. First Job: Babysitter/Nanny Favorite Children’s Book: Junie B. Jones by Barbara Park Favorite Movie: Bridesmaids Favorite Song or Band: “More Than REECE CHADWICK My Hometown” by Morgan Wallen Favorite Grizzlies Player: Derrick Rose Favorite Sports Team: Ole Miss and the Memphis Tigers Best Thing About GSL: Getting to know and work with Katie Longoria! ALLIE DUDLEY Junior Kindergarten Assistant Teacher (Lucky Llamas) Hometown: Memphis Family: Husband Brown and our three children Brown (age 9), Holmes (SK at GSL) and Ivy (age 2). First Job: Babysitting Favorite Children’s Book: Miss Nelson is Missing! by Harry Allard Favorite Movie: Moonstruck ALLIE DUDLEY Favorite Musical Artist: Cher, hands down! Favorite Grizzlies Player: Zach Randolph Favorite Sports Team: I’m a Memphis Tiger alum, but totally married into Alabama football! Best Thing About GSL: I just love the community and the love at this school. Really love my lead teacher Mrs. Mimmie and I’m so glad I get to work with her! JENNIFER FUTRELL Lower and Middle School Learning Specialist Hometown: I spent most of my growing-up time in Central Florida Family: Husband Jonathan, son Miles (JK) and Adelia (Dilly, who will be here next year as a Little Luker), and our cute Bernedoodle Sadie Bernice. First Job: Barista JENNIFER FUTRELL Favorite Children’s Book: This changes depending on what my kids are into, BUT right now we are all loving The Monster at the End of This Book by Jon Stone. Favorite Movie: About Time (I cry every.single.time) Favorite Musical Artist: Currently in my Swiftie era, so you'll find me listening to her OR to a Danny Go! song in the car because I have toddlers. Favorite Grizzlies Player: Zach Randolph and Mike Conley: They were always so nice when I used to run into them around town. Favorite Sports Team: University of Arkansas (Woo Pig!) Best Thing About GSL: My favorite thing is afternoon carpool, when I get to pet all the dogs waiting for their kids.
JAMESHA HORTON Pre-Kindergarten Assistant Teacher (Playful Peacocks) Hometown: Memphis Family: Mom, grandmother, four older siblings, one younger sibling, and my 3-year-old daughter Skylar. I also have a Morkie — a mixed Maltese and Yorkshire Terrier — named Oozie. First Job: Miss Lee’s Preschool JAMESHA HORTON Favorite Children’s Book: No, David! by David Shannon Favorite Movie: The Parent Trap Favorite Song or Band: “Cry Me a River” by Justin Timberlake Favorite Grizzlies Player: Zach Randolph Favorite Sports Team: Pittsburgh Steelers Best Thing About GSL: Welcoming my classroom families on the first day of school. I loved seeing their beautiful smiles and also being a part of such an amazing team! MACKAY LEE Advancement Specialist Hometown: Bluffton, S.C. Family: Wife Jocelyn, daughter Charlotte (JK), and dog Baxter. First Job: Retail at Old Navy Favorite Movie: Moneyball Favorite Band: All Time Favorite Band: Mutemath; I’m also currently into Lo-Fi Beats Playlist on Spotify and Gable Price & Friends Favorite Grizzlies Player: Is it too MACKAY LEE soon to say Marcus Smart? For now, I'll say Desmond Bane. Favorite Sports Team: Memphis Grizzlies Best Thing About GSL: My best day would have to be May 1 - my first day on staff at GSL! SUZANNE MCGEHEE ’11 Little Lukers Assistant Teacher (Cheerful Cheetahs) Hometown: Memphis Family: My parents and three siblings (we all attended GSL together and loved our time here so much!): Jack Montgomery ’04, Emmett Montgomery ’06, and Molly McGehee ’13. First Job: Babysitting Favorite Children’s Book: Pete the SUZANNE MCGEHEE ’11 Cat by Eric Litwin, James Dean, and Kimberly Dean Favorite Song: Anything by Taylor Swift or SZA Favorite Grizzlies Player: Ja Morant Best Thing About GSL: My best moments have been getting to reconnect here with the teachers and coaches who made such a positive impact on me and all my siblings when I attended GSL, like Ellen Hendry, Lyn Forsyth, Leslie Reddick, Kimberly and Jeff White, Carol Buchman, Rick Kohlhof, Debbie Callahan, Jane Williams, and Anne Phillips, just to name a few!
MARY CATHERINE MOORE Pre-Kindergarten Assistant Teacher (Epic Elephants) Hometown: Mount Olive, Miss. Family: Husband Zack, and our children Zachary ’25 and Alice ’26. First Job: Babysitting Favorite Children’s Book: Where the Wild Things Are (Max has the best imagination) by Maurice Sendak MARY CATHERINE MOORE Favorite Movie: Stand by Me Favorite Band: Greensky Bluegrass Favorite Grizzlies Player: Desmond Bane Favorite Sports Team: Memphis Grizzlies Best Thing About GSL: I love working with Kelsey Beagle!
REEM RASSOUL
REEM RASSOUL Senior Kindergarten Teacher (Savvy Seahorses) Hometown: Memphis Family: Mom, Dad, brother and sister. First Job: Assistant Teacher at Hutchison Favorite Children's Book: Grumpy Monkey by Suzanne Lang Favorite Movie: Bridesmaids Favorite Song/Band: Pretty Lights Favorite Grizzlies Player: Jaren Jackson Jr.
Favorite College: Rhodes! Best Thing About GSL: I immediately felt a sense of belonging when I first walked through the doors. My new coworkers and school family have been so amazing! Go, Saints!
CHUNDA SUMMERALL Little Lukers Assistant Teacher (Snappy Sea Turtles) Hometown: Memphis Family: I am the baby of 10 siblings and also have two children of my own, daughter Dejah and son Amarion. First Job: After school care at Manor Lake Elementary School. I also worked from 2008-13 at this CHUNDA SUMMERALL church’s Parents' Day Out. During my time there I built some great relationships with families who are still here at GSL, like Dave Hanson and Christina Ross, the Pretzers, the Davis family, and the McLeans, to name a few. Favorite Children’s Book: Corduroy by Don Freeman Favorite Movie: Rush Hour 2 with Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker Favorite Sports Team: Memphis Grizzlies Favorite Grizzlies Player: None other than the great Ja Morant and now Derrick Rose Best Thing About GSL: I'm super excited to be back with my GSL family and I'm looking forward to this school year. GO, SAINTS!!!
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ANCHORING THE EDUCATIONAL JOURNEY By Marci Woodmansee ’83, Director of Communications
Grace-St. Luke’s School… An Anchor for Life! It’s been one of the school’s advertising taglines for years. Both a slogan and a GSL truism. But, what do we really mean by it? How does GSL serve as an anchor for life?
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Answering that question fully is only possible by experiencing GSL. It derives in many ways from the traditions and customs that make us unique. Ringing the birthday bell at Miss Lee’s. Celebrating your completion of Lower School studies at Honors Chapel. Riding our red and white Bullet or minibus to Middle School sports practices. Cheering loudly during our pep rallies in the Anchor Gym (and before 2010, in the Saints Gym!). But GSL is also an anchor for life because here, students quickly learn that they are known – and cared for – by each and every one of their teachers. Children spend more time at GSL than they will in their high school or college. That’s how an enduring educational foundation is established, how lasting relationships with teachers are created, and how lifelong friendships are forged. Some of the traditions that make the learning experience unique at GSL are outlined here, by division and by grade level. Consider them highlights, or milestones along the way during the journey at GSL. As your children advance from grade to grade, we hope this sheds light on some of the components that differentiate us, and serves as a handy list of things to look forward to as your child grows up here. These are some of the special experiences that make GSL an anchor for life.
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Opening Convocation School Picnic Homecoming Poster & Spirit Stick Contests Dogpound Student Section at Home Games Christmas Art Contest Year-End Field Days
1: Little Luker Montgomery Stone; 2: Second Graders Margaret Willson, Blair Bagwell; 3: Junior Kindergartner Ayaan Ahmad; 4: Pre-Kindergartners Hazel Hewgley and Zadie Casey; 5: Third Graders Campbell Lowe, Keller Myers, Banks Fisher, and Jack Sweeney Hannock; 6: Fifth Graders at Opening Convocation; 7: Eighth Graders Finley Carter and Shaniah Tucker; 8: Junior Kindergartners Charlotte Lee, Eleanor Bencini, and Josephine French; 9: Fifth Graders Sage McKenna, Hugo Ibled, Foster McKenna, Lyda Scrugham, Notley Maddox and friends at a pep rally.
Play with a Purpose in PRESCHOOL 10
Highlights for All Preschoolers • Ringing the Birthday Bell • Tinker Lab with Mrs. Cynthia • Spanish Classes with Mrs. Navarro • Preschool Chapel and Assembly (Formative 5 Focus) • Fun & Fitness with Mr. Robert • Kindermusik Learning
Special to Little Lukers Sensory Learning: Includes lots of outdoor exploration nature, gardening, art and more! Community Helpers Unit: Learning about doctors, police officers, and more (some of whom come to visit)!
• Mindfulness Classes • Anchor Library Visits with Early Childhood Librarian Laura Lemly Willis • Halloween Costume Parade • 50th and 100th Day Celebrations • Spring Gardening Day • Outdoor Classroom Exploration and Learning • Preschool Field Day
Special to Pre-Kindergarten Author Study: Introduction to different authors that culminates in creation of books.
Miss Lee’s Turns 100 Next Year!
Special to Junior Kindergarten Photography Project & Showcase: Learning how to operate cameras and capture a view of the world; culminates in exhibit of work.
In 2024, Miss Lee’s Preschool will celebrate the 100th anniversary of its founding in 1924! Stay tuned for more information on how we will recognize this historic milestone next school year! FALL 2023
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We Love LOWER SCHOOL Lower School Customs for All SK-4th Graders • Daily Class Meetings (Formative 5 Focus)
• Advent/Christmas Chapel Evening Service
• Weekly Lower School Chapel
• Orff-based Music Classes and Performances for Families
• Formative Assessments that Inform Targeted Small-Group Instruction
• Sports Teams Through GSL Church
• Regular Social-Emotional Well-being & Guidance Lessons
• Lower School Field Day
Milestones in Senior Kindergarten • Going to “The Big School!” • Attending Pep Rallies and Celebration Chapel • Getting 3rd Grade Reading & Chapel Buddies • Lunch in the Lower School Multipurpose Room • Monthly/seasonal Self-Portraits and Art Projects • Small-group Workshop Model (with small group instruction for reading, writing, and math) • Traveling to Special Subjects (Music, Art, Spanish, Library, P.E., and Science/Technology iLab) • Bookmaking Unit (writing and illustrating a book) and Author Party • Year-end Art Exhibit • Meeting 8th Grade Buddies for Seasonal Activities
Milestones in 1st Grade • School Uniforms • Getting 4th Grade Chapel Buddies • One Primary Teacher (instead of two) • Assigned Classroom Lockers (rather than cubbies) • All-School Chapel • 100th Day Hats • Lunch in the Anchor Cafeteria • Two Art Sessions Weekly • Annual Hip-Hop Dance Performance
Milestones in 3rd Grade • Being a Reading or Chapel Buddy for SKers • Changing Classes for Specialized Instruction in Academic Subjects • Holidays Around the World Presentation & Luncheon • Multiplication Parties • Readers’ Theater and Writing Projects (includes fairy tales and poetry) • Participation in Annual Spelling Bee
Milestones in 4th Grade • Safety Patrol Volunteers in Morning Carpool • Being a Reading or Chapel Buddy for 1st Graders • Being an Acolyte/Reader for Chapel • Changing Classes for Specialized Instruction in Academic Subjects • Participation in Annual Spelling Bee • Leaders of Advent/Christmas Chapel • Invited to Mother-Daughter and Father-Son Events • Invited to audition for 4th Grade chorus in Annual Middle School Musical • Citizenship Breakfast • Year-End Class Trip to Discovery Park of America • Year-End Swim Party • Honors Chapel Ceremony celebrating students’ advancement to Middle School and special 4th Grade awards Third Graders Miller Spotts, Kate Pishko, and Jane Gwin
Milestones in 2nd Grade • Hallway Lockers • 1-to-1 Laptops • Recycling & Socktober Service Projects • Being Reading Buddies for JKers • State Fair Project (research and luncheon) • Unit & Presentation on Americans Who Make a Difference • Book Reports 12
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Three Cheers for MIDDLE SCHOOL Highlights for All Middle Schoolers • Single-Gender Advisories • Assigned to Red & White Teams • Start-of-School Class Retreats • Middle School Sports Teams • Middle School Chapel • Middle School Spirit Days during Homecoming • Annual Spelling and Geography Bees • Model UN and Youth In Government Groups • Affinity Group • Advisories: Mornings before class • Club Period: Extracurricular offerings of student’s choosing • Middle School Leadership Retreat • Can audition for Fall and Spring Theater Performances • Art Exhibits Each Trimester • Special Homecoming Dress-Down Days • Fan 5 Nights • Participation in Honor Council (invited) and Student Council (elected) • Participation in Thespian Society and Honor Society (invited) • Mad Scientist Day • Mother-Daughter and Father-Son Events • Middle School Field Day
Fifth Graders William Pace and Liam Rixon
Milestones in 7th Grade • Acolyting/Reading/Leading Chapel services • Class retreat at Bridges • Trimester Exams & Yearly Research Papers • Math begins to be tracked on varying levels • Can try out for Cheerleading • 7th/8th Grade Dance • Can serve as Admissions Ambassadors • World Religions with Field Trip • Eligible for Honor Society • Class Trip to Chicago • Athletic Banquet • Honors Chapel: Selected 7th Grade Awards and Book Awards • Can attend Athletic Banquet • Can help create the Class Banner that will represent the class during 8th grade at GSL • Can apply to be Counselors-in-Training for SummerFest
Milestones in 8th Grade Milestones in 5th Grade • Class Retreat to St. Columba • Leading the School-Wide Food Drive • First Latin Classes • Life Skills Class • Orff-based Music Classes & Parent Performances • Freedom (no more walking in lines!) • First Overnight Class Trip (traditionally to Nature’s Classroom)
Milestones in 6th Grade • Class Retreat to St. Columba • Hoodie Party (special outerwear gifted to 6th graders designating their class year at GSL) • Orff-based Music Classes & Parent Performances • Student-led Parent Conferences (for the first time) • Class Trip to New Orleans • Bible Class
• 8th Grade Back to School Class Party • 8th Grade Stairs, Alcove, and Outside Lunch Area • Chapel Talks Series • “This Is Your Life” photo board in Lass Hall • Assigned SK buddies for fun activities • Ethics Class • Admissions Ambassadors • Boys vs. Girls Volleyball Game • Student vs. Faculty Basketball Game • 8th Grade Families Presentation at Basketball Homecoming • 7th/8th Grade Dance • Seasonal Spirit Awards • 8th Grade Italian Dinner • Internship Program • Athletic Banquet • Class Trip to Nantahala • Alumni Luncheon & Memory Walk • Graduation Ceremony • Can apply to be Counselors-in-Training for SummerFest • 9th Grade Yearbook Signing Event (fall after graduation) • College Send-off Lunch (after high school graduation) FALL 2023
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THE IMPORTANCE OF THE ANCHOR — AND THE ANCHOR FUND — TO GSL By Brenda Berry, Director of Advancement
An Anchor. Chances are, when you hear someone mention an anchor or see an image of an anchor, you instantly think about GSL. This steadfast symbol has been a prominent part of GSL’s DNA for decades. But have you ever wondered why? The answer is fairly simple. An anchor is defined as something that provides strength and support. And that, it just so happens, is an excellent summary of the work done at Grace-St. Luke’s Episcopal School. Each day, GSL faculty and staff provide strength and support to the students. But the support doesn’t stop there. After all, An Anchor for Life isn’t just GSL’s most famous tagline. It is a promise to the GSL community, including all students, families, alumni, alumni families, grandparents, faculty and staff, and friends of the school. It is a commitment that GSL is and will always be available to its most cherished commodity — its community — throughout life. The delivery of this promise is most evident through the incredible, deep connections that alumni have to this special school. An annual fund is similar to an anchor, in that it provides monetary strength and support to a school. That’s why this year, GSL’s annual fund has been renamed the Anchor Fund.
About the Anchor Fund The Anchor Fund is GSL’s most important fundraiser each school year. Tuition only covers about 80% of the true cost to educate a student at GSL. The Anchor Fund helps close this gap in the school’s annual operating budget while enabling GSL to sustain excellence in each student’s overall learning experience. Fundraising and reporting for the Anchor Fund corresponds with GSL’s fiscal year, which begins August 1 and ends on July 31 of the following year. Donations to the Anchor Fund are used exclusively during the school year in which they are received and support the school in many different ways, like funding your favorite teacher’s professional development and compensation, or providing financial aid for that student who shows so much creativity, kindness, and empathy. Your gifts help fund maintenance and repairs to our well-aged campus and facilities, and arts items such as paintbrushes and musical instruments. Your gifts help provide uniforms, equipment, and coaching stipends for your favorite GSL teams, cover TLC, gas, and maintenance for the Bullet and minibus, and so much more!
Anchor Fund: New Giving Levels & Giving Societies GIVING LEVELS Gifts made to the Anchor Fund during the 2023-24 school year will be recognized in the Fall 2024 Giving Report as follows:
Giving Category Head of School’s Heroes Anchor Allies Luker Leaders Saint Supporters Grace Givers Red & White Club Community Corner
Level of Support $10,000+ $6,000-$9,999 $3,000-$5,999 $1,500-$2,999 $750-$1,499 $350-$749 $1-$349
The following new giving societies will recognize donors starting with the Fall 2024 Giving Report. Giving Society
Description
Lead Donor Society Donors who give $750 or more to GSL in the current school year are members of the Lead Donor Society. This group receives special recognition in our Giving Report and is invited to the annual Lead Donor party, typically held in August. Lifetime Giving Society GSL’s Lifetime Giving Society recognizes donors whose lifetime contributions reach transformative levels. These donors are acknowledged in our Giving Report for lifetime contributions as follows: $1,000,000+ $100,000-$249,999 $500,000-$999,999 $50,000-$99,999 $250,000-$499,999 $25,000-$49,999 Consecutive Giving Society GSL’s Consecutive Giving Society recognizes donors who renew their support every year, regardless of gift amount or purpose. These donors are acknowledged in our Giving Report for contributions in five, 10, 15, and 20+ consecutive years.
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The Anchor Fund Co-Chairs The 2023-24 Anchor Fund is in good hands thanks to the capable leadership of Co-Chairs Lauren & Justin ’92 Taylor and Ann ’94 and Zach Pretzer!
To us, the GSL experience is: what I (Lauren) wish I had (and Justin did have) for preschool, elementary, and middle school—more than a decade encircled by a nurturing, challenging, and caring school community. The most unique thing about GSL is: the incredible 8th grade internship program. The students learn important career and life skills during this process and are deeply exposed to a field of interest.
The Taylor Family: Justin '92, Parker '25, Maggie '22, and Lauren
Lauren & Justin ’92 Taylor
Children: Maggie ’22 and Parker ’25 First Year as GSL Parents: 2012 School Journey: Justin attended GSL from kindergarten through 9th grade, graduating in 1992. He graduated from high school in 1995. He earned his bachelor degree from Lewis & Clark College. Lauren attended school in Long Island and Vermont before earning her bachelor degree from Smith College. She also completed the University of Pennsylvania’s Executive Program in Social Impact Strategy and is in the process of finishing Penn’s M.S. in Nonprofit Leadership. Justin and Lauren met in college when they both participated in the Sea Education Association (SEA) ocean-focused study abroad program. Careers: Justin, an entrepreneur, owns Finishing Memphis and has also been the owner and operator of the Mid-South Corn Maze at the Agricenter since its inception in 2001. Lauren has worked at the Hyde Family Foundation since 2005 and currently serves as Vice President of Programs and Learning. Community Involvement: Justin has coached GSL girls and boys basketball and baseball/softball since 2005. Lauren currently serves on the GSL Board of Trustees, the City Parks Alliance Board of Trustees, and the First Horizon CRA Corporate Advisory Board. Lauren was a founding board member of the Overton Park Conservancy and the Memphis Farmers Market. Family Fun: The Taylor family loves to travel and spend time outdoors, be it fishing, hiking, skiing, or exploring parks.
The most impressive thing our children have learned at GSL is: how to advocate for themselves. What we love most about the Preschool-8th grade model is: that younger students find true role models in the older students. Additionally, we love witnessing younger students’ anticipation of all the amazing GSL traditions they will experience as they advance through grade levels. What we love most about the coed school model is: that GSL graduates possess the confidence, social skills, and friendships to thrive in any future school environment — co-ed or single sex. The thing about the GSL experience that has remained the most consistent since Justin attended GSL is: that the school fosters lifelong friendships among students, families, and faculty.
Ann ’94 & Zach Pretzer
Children: Zoe ’25 and Jonas ’28
The Pretzer Family: Zoe '25, Ann '94, Zach, and Jonas '28
First Year as GSL Parents: 2014 School Journey: Zach attended school in Vermilion, Ohio. In fact, his high school logo was an anchor, so GSL’s motto An Anchor for Life resonated with him from day one! Ann Frizzell Pretzer, a native Memphian, attended GSL, St. Mary’s, and White Station High School. Zach and Ann both earned their bachelor degrees from Oberlin College, where they met. They both went on to earn master degrees from UT-Knoxville.
Careers: Zach has been the President of the Methodist Healthcare Foundation since 2017. Ann works as an Assistant Director of College Counseling at St. Mary's Episcopal School and continues to teach violin, something she has done for more than 10 years. Community Involvement: Zach has coached sports at GSL for more than a decade, including basketball, baseball, and softball. He also helps coach an AAU girls basketball team and currently serves on the GSL Board of Trustees. Ann served as the Parents’ Association Treasurer for a number of years. An avid reader, she also volunteers in the GSL library. Family Fun: The Pretzer family loves spending time together at GSL sporting events and activities. In the summer, they enjoy relaxing by the pool at the U Club. To us, the GSL experience is: nurturing, positive, and communityfocused while also focusing on the whole child — academically, socially, and emotionally. The most unique thing about GSL is: how children learn to be great human beings and practice the Formative Five. Also, our library is a true gem and the librarians' ability to know every child and their interests is unparalleled. The most impressive thing our children have learned at GSL is: how to be great students and to enjoy learning, and also the ability to advocate for themselves. What we love most about the Preschool-8th grade model is: the opportunity for children to grow into leadership roles, especially during the middle school years. Additionally, we love the preschool and kindergarten buddy program and how Lukers become role models for younger GSL students. What we love most about the coed school model is: that both of our kids get to see each other during their school day and support each other and friends at GSL events, sports games, and more. The thing about the GSL experience that has remained the most consistent since Ann attended GSL is: how loving and caring the teachers are.
Anchor Fund Class Reps As we continue to focus on creating a strong culture of philanthropic giving at GSL, we are excited to announce the following Anchor Fund Grade Level Representatives! These individuals will help the Anchor Fund co-chairs with fundraising communications throughout the 2023-24 school year. 8th Grade, Class of 2024 Margaret McLean & Alec McLean 7th Grade, Class of 2025 Sharon Shipley & Josh Shipley 6th Grade, Class of 2026 Joanne Hudson Laizure & Casey Laizure 5th Grade, Class of 2027 Tara Barton & Franklin Barton 4th Grade, Class of 2028 Lauri Balk & Patrick Balk 3rd Grade, Class of 2029 Christa George and Chris Wood 2nd Grade, Class of 2030 Rainey Segars & Colton Segars 1st Grade, Class of 2031 Heather Conklin & Tom Leitzell SK, Class of 2032 Whitney Sanders & Stephen Pishko
Double Your Donation to GSL with Employee Matching Gift Programs! Many corporations offer matching gift programs that will match charitable contributions made by employees to eligible nonprofit organizations. This is such an easy way to double your donation to GSL! To find your employer’s matching gift policy, visit gslschool.org/matchinggift-program (or scan the QR code) and enter your employer's name in the search bar near the bottom of the page. If your employer is not listed, check with your HR department. If you learn that your employer will match your gift, simply request a matching gift form from your employer and submit your completed and signed form with your gift to:
JK, Class of 2033 Melanie French & David French
Grace-St. Luke’s Episcopal School ATTN: Advancement Office 246 S. Belvedere Blvd. Memphis, TN 38104
PK, Class of 2034 Ashley Adams & Scott Adams
Thank you for doubling your donation to GSL!
LL, Class of 2035 Farley Ezekiel & Ed Ezekiel
Inaugural Emeritus Society Reception
On May 2, GSL held its inaugural Emeritus Society gathering in the Anchor Center Library. This special society, which includes current and former GSL Board Trustees and Heads of School, celebrates all of the incredible community leaders who have given — and continue to give — their time, talent, and treasure to GSL. We look forward to hosting the 2nd Annual Emeritus Society gathering in the spring of 2024! 16
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P.A. CONNECTION
P.A. CONNECTION By Jennifer Gibbs, P.A. President
P.A. Executive Board: Middle School VP Julie Markham, Secretary Tricia Adrian, Treasurer Carey Pontius, President Jenn Gibbs, Lower School VP Hannah Phillips, and Preschool VP Ashley Park
Spirit Wear Co-Chair Kristen Murphy and Trivia Event Co-Chair Mimmie Fisher at the P.A. Volunteer Fair.
Spirit Wear Co-Chair Annette Carlisle, Emily Hallum, and Jessica Reed volunteered at the Spirit Wear Sale during Back-to-School Night.
The 2023-24 Parents’ Association (P.A.) welcomes the entire GSL community to an exciting school year, full of the GSL traditions that make our community so special. I am honored to serve as President of the P.A. this year along with fellow Executive Board officers and parents Julie Markham, Middle School VP; Hannah Phillips, Lower School VP; Ashley Park, Preschool VP; Tricia Adrian, Secretary; and Carey Pontius, Treasurer. What We Do The GSL Parents’ Association sponsors a variety of community building and fundraising events throughout the school year, including the Charleston Wrap Fundraiser, the Anchor Auction, our Trivia Event, and the Book Swap, among others. Money raised during this school year will support the school in so many meaningful ways, including funding classroom enhancements, new curriculum, and teacher wish list items that directly benefit the students’ learning experiences. We would like to offer a special thanks to Meghan Barksdale, last year’s P.A. President. Under Meghan’s leadership, the P.A. raised more than $112,000! This money allowed the school to enhance programming in so many incredible ways, including funding guest speakers and new technology.
Charleston Wrap Co-Chairs Christina Gordon and Keating Lowery donned a few holiday accessories to promote the fundraiser during Celebration.
A Strong Start P.A. fundraising is already underway this year! Our Charleston Wrap fundraiser raised just over $21,000 this fall. We also raised some $15,000 in Spirit Wear sales during Back-to-School Night. This year, we are excited to make it even easier to purchase Spirit Wear with the launch of our online Spirit Store. The Spirit Store link in the top red navigation bar of GSL’s website will take you to our great lineup of merchandise. Be sure to visit and shop! Get Involved We want you! Did you know that every GSL parent is a member of the Parents’ Association? Getting involved with the many P.A. events and traditions enriches our community and overall experience at GSL. Visit the P.A. webpage under the Student Life tab on the GSL website for a complete list of events, descriptions and chairs, and more information on how you can make our school and community even better. Thank you for supporting the Parents’ Association. Have a wonderful year, and GO, SAINTS!
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Congratulations, Class of
2019
We are so proud of GSL’s Class of 2019 and wish these Saints the best of luck in their next adventures! Avery Arkle, University of Tennessee
Isabelle Mansour, Georgetown University
Finley Barger, Appalachian State University
Max Mascolino, Wake Forest University
Tya Bostick, University of Memphis
Aubrey Messer, Mississippi State University
Emery Brown, University of Tennessee
Eliot Morris, University of Tennessee
Aislinn Choo, Savannah College of Art and Design
Garner New, Work
Grace Ciaramitaro, Vanderbilt University
Spencer Norris, University of Tennessee
Nancy Cliff, University of Tennessee
Bauer Patton, University of Arkansas
Emma Couch, University of South Carolina
Phoebe Plumley, San Diego State University
Nick Dyer, Wofford College
Gus Schaffler, University of California, Santa Barbara
Sophia Espy, University of Tennessee
Berklee Scifres, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Cutter Gallagher, Gap Year
Ava Sichting, University of Tennessee
Sofia Gutierrez, New York University
Graham Springer, University of Arkansas
Britton Hare, University of Georgia
Bruce Taylor, Portsmouth Abbey School
Kelcie Harris, Alabama A&M University
Kai Thompson, Colorado State University
Braden Haynes, Sewanee: The University of the South
Jesse Vining, Middle Tennessee State University
Abby Hough, Wake Forest University
Charlie West, Claremont McKenna College
Caleb Isom, Mississippi State University
Alex Wood, Harding University
Kylie Jackson, University of Tennessee
Lilli Wood, University of Tennessee
Angela Jacobs, University of Georgia
Ella Woodmansee, University of Tennessee
Andrew Jones, University of Arkansas
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We were so happy to see these Class of 2019 alumni who came back to campus for our annual College Send-off Lunch in August! From left: Garner New, Alex Wood, Bauer Patton, Kelcie Harris, Eliot Morris, Finley Barger, Spencer Norris, Abby Hough, Sophia Espy, Jack Gerald, Sofia Gutierrez, Emery Brown, Ella Woodmansee, Emma Couch, Kylie Jackson, Bruce Taylor, Isabelle Mansour, Grace Ciaramitaro, Andrew Jones, Graham Springer, Nancy Cliff, Phoebe Plumley, Caleb Isom, and Braden Haynes.
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CELEBRATING GSL’S 75 YEARS THROUGH GIVING By Brenda Berry, Director of Advancement
2022-23 Annual Fund Led by Co-Chairs Jenn & Ryan Gibbs and Lauren & Justin ’92 Taylor, the 2022-23 Celebrating 75 Years Annual Fund was a huge success, bringing in $396,470 for GSL. (See page 22 for the 2022-23 Giving Report.) Of this amount, GSL received $340,408 in unrestricted gifts, which help cover costs for things like daily operations, facility maintenance, classroom enhancements, faculty and staff compensation and benefits, and more. An additional $56,062 was donated to specific areas of the school, including the 75th Anniversary celebration in August 2022, campus safety and security, Preschool enhancements (in memory of Deborah Lowe), tuition assistance, Lower School furniture, Anchor Center heat exchangers, and the Anchor Library. Sincere appreciation goes out to the Co-Chairs for their incredible leadership, and of course to the hundreds of donors who gave last year and continue to support GSL year over year. Thank you for making 2022-23 such a great year to celebrate everything that is GSL! 20
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CURRENT PARENTS ALUMNI PARENTS
GRANDPARENTS
FACULTY & STAFF
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
ALUMNI
2022-23 Celebrating 75 Years Annual Fund Contributions by Constituency
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Lead Donor Party The GSL community is known for a lot of things. We love our school. We love our community. We love to support the school and each other. And, we love a good party. The 2022-23 school year provided everything we love and more. It started with the epic 75th Anniversary party in August 2022, and continued throughout the entire school year, culminating with another beautiful graduation ceremony, this time celebrating the Class of 2023 in May. This August, we started the school year with another great gathering: the Lead Donor Party. This annual event celebrates and recognizes the generosity of lead donors. This year's party, hosted by GSL parents Liz & Kevin Keough, honored all lead donors who contributed $500 or more to the 202223 Celebrating 75 Years Annual Fund. As is expected with any GSL gathering, the event was a huge success with a great turnout from the community. (See photos above.)
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Head of School Andy Surber, Meghan & Ben Barksdale
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Liz & Kevin Keough
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Steven & Allison King, Jane & Bruce Williams
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Wes ’98 & Hannah Phillips
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Jill & Simon Wadsworth
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Casey & Joanna Laizure
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Danielle Harrell & Brendan Williams
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Justin ’92 & Lauren Taylor
10 Albert ’89 & Trinh Johnson 11 Margaret McLean, Margaret & Hugh Fraser, Alec McLean 12 Mary Morris, Liz Keough, Paul Morris 13 Mimmie & Brian Fisher, Kathleen & Schorr Behnke 14 Corinne & Bob Adrian 15 Jenn Gibbs, Brenda Berry, Ryan Gibbs 16 Mary & Will Maddox ’00 17 Amy & Emmel Golden 18 Michael Donahue FALL 2023
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2022-23 GRACE-ST. LUKE’S GIVING REPORT This report reflects total cumulative gifts made by donors to Grace-St. Luke's from August 1, 2022 through July 31, 2023. Any payments received after July 31, 2023 will be acknowledged in the 2023-24 Giving Report. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this listing. If any errors or omissions are discovered, please email Director of Advancement Brenda Berry at bberry@gslschool.org.
All-School Opening Convocation, August 18, 2023
Lead Donors
A special thank you to these lead donors who donated $500 or more to GSL's 2022-23 Annual Fund.
BISHOP’S ALLIANCE A gift of $5,000 or more Corinne & Bob Adrian Mr. & Mrs. Benjamin Barksdale Ernest C. Behnke In honor of Harper, Libby, and Louise Behnke Dr. & Mrs. Schorr Behnke The Callahans The Catharine H. DeWeese Memorial Trust
Mr. & Mrs. Andrew F. Cates Doug & Kristen Duncan Mr. & Mrs. Ryan E. Gibbs Mr. & Mrs. Albert Johnson Mr. & Mrs. George T. Johnson Margaret & Alec McLean Logan & Simone Meeks Mary & Paul Morris
Susan & Tom Stephenson In honor of our children and GSL alumni Thomas R. Stephenson, Katie Stephenson McDermott, and Meg Stephenson Burress; and our grandchildren Thomas Stephenson, Wise Stephenson, Margo McDermott, Emersyn Annable, and Porter Burress Lauren & Justin Taylor In honor of Maggie ’22 and Parker ’25 Taylor Mr. & Mrs. R. Andrew Taylor
TRUSTEE’S CIRCLE A gift of $2,500-$4,999 Anonymous Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Archer and Archer Custom Builders, Inc. Mr. & Mrs. Chris W. Bird Sr. and Dillard Door & Security, Inc.
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Sherry & Jeff Emerson In honor of Webb '08 & Kelsey Emerson, and Tess Emerson '14 Mr. & Mrs. Hugh C. Fraser Heather & Henry Grosvenor
Melanee Hannock & Teresa Sweeney Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Keough Steven & Allison King Mr. & Mrs. James Maddox Drs. Joseph & Judy Mixon
Mr. & Mrs. Luis Orbegoso Anne Phillips In honor of Jeanette Walton Sharon & Josh Shipley Mrs. Mary & Dr. Andy Surber
HEADMASTER’S GUILD A gift of $1,000-$2,499 Anonymous Mr. & Mrs. Scott S. Adams Mr. & Mrs. Thomas E. Adams Jr. The Balk Family Eric Barnes Tom & Thaler Beasley Kappi & Tom Beazley Brenda & Jason Berry Alex & Jenay Boggs Ms. Wight F. Boggs Cindy & Kevin Brewer Preston & Jacqueline Butts Debbie Callahan In memory of Lisa Lassandrello The Canale Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Jack Cantrell Jr. and Cantrell Custom Pools Mr. & Mrs. Edward A. Ezekiel Mr. John T. Fisher Debbie & Jim Flaherty In honor of Drew and Matt Flaherty Sarah & Matt Gallagher Mrs. Lucia Gilliland Mr. Robert Goff
Amy & Emmel Golden Mr. Charles Gross & Dr. Keaton Gross Mr. & Mrs. William P. Halliday III David Hanson & Christina Ross In honor of Cross Country coaches Jeff White and Kat Consola Mr. & Mrs. Michael J. Harris Mr. & Mrs. Jesse B. Heath Dr. & Mrs. Henry Herrod III In honor of the Behnke Family Mr. & Mrs. R. Davis Howe Hyde Family Foundation Carrie & Jack Irvine In honor of Jack and Virginia Irvine Tim & Erica Jancelewicz Mrs. Judy Johnson Mrs. Marilyn C. Kidd Dorothy Orgill Kirsch Kroger Mr. & Mrs. R. Langston In memory of Dr. Jeffrey Scrugham
Mr. & Mrs. Stephen B. Lewis Mr. & Mrs. Jamie Linkous Mary & Will Maddox Kelly & Eric Martin Anita & Mike McCarty In honor of Miles and Madison McCarty Mr. Frank E. McCarty and Ms. Nicole F. McCarty In honor of Miles and Madison McCarty Mr. & Mrs. Donald C. McClure III Mr. & Mrs. Jim Mercer Chapman & Chip Morrow Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Musashe and The Jander Group, Inc. In honor of Ezekiel Musashe David & Julie Nanney Drs. Brent Orr & Julie A. Markham Kurt & Ruth Patton Dr. & Mrs. Wesley Phillips The Reverend Ollie V. Rencher Becky & Mike Rivalto John & Harriet Ross Dancey Trabue Sanders Bob & Libby Shannon
John & Christy Sharp Margaret B. Shirley In honor of Son and Barrett Sights Glenda & Gary Shorb In honor of Will Hagerman Mr. Clay Smythe Dr. & Mrs. G.W. Sorrells III Traci & Mark Strickland Roland & Debra Taylor In honor of Justin, Logan, Maggie, and Parker Taylor Valerie & Henry Valk Simon & Jill Wadsworth Casey & Ashley West Larry White In honor of Kimbie & Jeff White Drs. Brendan Williams & Danielle Harrell Bruce & Jane Williams Gib & Nancy Wilson
Rick & Andrea Kohlhof In honor of Dakota, Maverick, and McKenna Karen McLaren Sophie & Mat Parker
Zach & Ann Pretzer Marci & Ken Woodmansee In memory of Lisa Lassandrello
Ms. Lauriann Lines In honor of James and Andy Balk Dickson & Julie Logan Marti & Doug McCloud Mr. & Mrs. Grant McDermott Shelly McGuire Medtronic Landon & Lindsey Myers Mike & Lauren Parker Drs. Stephen Pishko & Whitney Sanders In honor of Kelsey Beagle and Jamie Bell Rand & Kelley Pointer In honor of Eddie Gamble John & Trish Pontius Bishop Phoebe Roaf Jenny & Rob Robertson Betty Rosenblatt Dr. Brad & Crady Schneider Nick & Patty Scully In memory of Fred Hodges, Ham Smythe, and Mary Truitt The Shelat Family Jennie & Jim Silk
Molly & Russell Smith Stacy & Dewey Smith Mr. & Mrs. John C. Thatcher IV Ben Thompson In honor of Elizabeth Thompson Judy Toler Lex & Suzy Ward Lee & Mary Linda Wardlaw In honor of Cullen Weeden and Jack Wardlaw Benton M. Wheeler In honor of Thor Kvande Lang & Isabel Gonzalez Whitaker Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey M. White In honor of Max '17 and Marley '20 White, Lukers for Life Debbie & Grant Willson In honor of Charlie and Margaret Willson Chris Wood & Christa George
ORDER OF THE ANCHOR A gift of $750-$999 Cindi Burch Anna Chahal In honor of GSL's 75th anniversary Mr. & Mrs. Robert Chase
The Fundo Family Ellen & Ian Hendry James & Joy Hoffman Kenny & Margaret Jabbour
’47 SOCIETY A gift of $500-$749 Anonymous The Bayzie Family Cade & Marissa Benedict Dave & Nancy Blalock Mr. & Mrs. Charles Bolton Lara & Daniel Breen Ginny & Mel Bresee Dr. Lucy L. Bruijn In honor of Isaac Bruijn, and Robert & Lu Bucci Tom & Karen Buckner George & Alice Burruss In honor of John Burruss and Ann Prascher Mr. Clark Butcher and Victory Bicycle Studio, LLC Rev. & Mrs. Noah Campbell Ruth O. Carr In honor of Hunt Durbin Mr. & Mrs. Charles Ciaramitaro Ron & Jan Coleman Dr. Heather Conklin & Mr. Tom Leitzell Mr. & Mrs. Scott Crosby Mr. Joshua Cunningham & Ms. Nicola da Roza
Jim Curry Kacey Hickey Davies '86 & Brian Davies In honor of Linda Niell Mike & Natalie Davis Kate Durbin Cal Edge Kirby & Glenn Floyd Richard & Pamela Flynt In honor of Aideen and Delta Flynt Mr. & Mrs. David French Drs. Jerry & Elizabeth Gilless Mr. & Mrs. Paxton Griffin Eileen & Leif Harland Mrs. Cynthia L. Hill Antonio Hinton Darin & Jennifer Isom Mrs. Mary Ann Jackson & Mr. Darrin F. Davidson Terry & Elaine Kerr Drs. Casey & Joanna Laizure Melody McAnally & John Lawrence
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SAINTS’ CHAIN A gift of $250-$499 Anonymous Tracy Adkisson & Brad Terhune In memory of Rusty Terhune Tricia & Nelson Adrian Mr. Larry R. Barron Mr. & Mrs. Franklin G. Barton IV Shannon & Tyler Benitone Pam Branham Linda & Dan Breen In honor of Jake Breen Meg & Austin Burress In honor of Porter Burress Bryan Callahan In honor of Debbie Callahan Anthony & Janelle Calzia In honor of GSL's amazing faculty & staff The Cannon Family Harry & Janie Carloss In honor of Lillian Hardison Mr. & Mrs. Blas Catalani II In honor of Blas Catalani III and Rachel Catalani Gordon Conaway Chris & Jennifer Cothern Caroline Gardner Donlin Mr. & Mrs. Craig Doucet Jason & Whitney Dowdy Dr. Sara & Mr. Thomas Federico Brandon & Ellen Flechas Megan & Steele Ford Mary Evelyn & Dan Fore Lyn Forsyth Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Fundo Sr. Ms. Katie Gore Jennifer Hagerman Ashlee & Bryce Hendry Dr. & Mrs. Andy High Mr. & Mrs. James Hinson Drs. Walter & Mary Ellen Hoehn Brenda Allen Huff In honor of Sara Kate, Anna, and Gabe Ratton Marybeth & Art Huggins In honor of Molly and Gracie Huggins Ben & Janet Hyneman In honor of Keller and Cannon Myers Mitchell J. Ives In honor of Vivian Ives Mr. & Mrs. John T. Lawrence Jr. Ariel LaShaun Laws In memory of Gail Laws Allison & Kevin Leslie Dr. & Mrs. Ernest B. Lowe Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Lee Marshall Peggy & Don McClure Jr. Holley & Lucius McGehee The Reverend John E. Merchant Laurie & Brooks Monypeny In honor of Lillian Fontaine Hardison Mr. & Mrs. Zachary Moore Frances & Cooper Morrison Barry & Janet Musick In honor of William Musick Mr. & Mrs. John R. Owen Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Philip Pontius Leslie J. Reddick In memory of D.C. & Rosa Redd, Carl Reddick, and Stevie Reddick Drs. Andrew & Jennifer Rixon Mr. & Mrs. Chris Roberts Juan Roncal Virginia & Michael Rowland Paula & Donnie Sappington
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Lee & Brian Schaffler In honor of Diane Glueck Allen Schwager Kate & James Shelton Marianne & McLean Smith John & Evelyn Stevens In honor of Margaret Fore's 8th grade graduation Mr. & Mrs. W. Howard Stovall Wayne & Bonnie Vickery In honor of Walker and Elliott Perkins Barbara & Brie Wallace Elizabeth & Scott Warren Ellen Whitten & Vince Harrigan Jan Willis & Laura Lemly Willis LUKE’S LEGION A gift of $100-$249 Anonymous (4) Kathy & Ben Adams The Aleman Family Larry & Sheila Alexander AmazonSmile Foundation Drs. Addis Asfaw & Meron Teshome Mr. & Mrs. Richard Avant In honor of Rebecca Louis Avant Liz Awsumb Henry & Janet Bartosch In honor of Colette and Blythe Bartosch Sara & Bob Berendt The Binder Family Anna & Angus Blair The Catalani Family Annie & Ambrose Chisholm Andrew & Sarah Colley Mr. Mark Compton & Ms. Maria Smith Margaret & Bill Craddock In honor of Campbell McLean Mr. & Mrs. Ronald E. Dumas Mr. & Mrs. Michael East Jr. Eric Elms Mr. & Mrs. Jonathan T. Flynt Mr. & Mrs. C. Bradford Foster III Patrick & Carrie Galphin Jacque & Stacy Gardner Laura & Josh Gettys The Glassman Family Dr. & Mrs. Emmel B. Golden Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Alexander W. Gordon III Morgan & Camille Griswold Anden Hamilton Andrew Harris Mr. & Mrs. Douglas Heintz In honor of Wesley Whitaker Mrs. Gail Herbert In honor of Lily Woodmansee Mr. & Mrs. M. Taylor Hewgley Sidney & David Hickey Derek & Kirsten Horton Michael Howard & Arleen Hill Jeffrey Jackson & Ellen Daugherty Braden Jensen Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth P. Jones Lauren Kenworthy Mr. & Mrs. Charles Kerwin Nancy B. & Eugene R. King In honor of Charlie and Margaret Willson Drs. Balaji Krishnaiah & Jennifer Lee Russell & Sandra Langley In honor of Sam and Norah Shipley Felicity H. Letsou Mr. & Mrs. Allan Lips Keating & Patrick Lowery Annette McAnally In honor of Marshall Lawrence Phil & Jennifer McCarty
Martha McCool Jane & Randy McCord Michael & Kristen McGlasson Liz & Ryan McKee Jeanne & Chuck McMillen Ms. Karen Meeks Jacque & Boone Nance Carmen Navarro In memory of Jesus Navarro Mrs. Linda L. Niell Mr. Andy Nix & Ms. Nichole Soule' Coleman & Jenna O'Keeffe Price & Dan Peacock In honor of Anne Phillips Mr. & Mrs. Victor Price Sara & Bruce Ralston Sarah Ranson Holly & Mark Renken Daniel & Katherine Riederer In honor of Will and Lucy Riederer Mr. & Dr. Andrew B. Sanders Stefan & Shine Schattgen Eric & Lauren Sefton Rainey & Coleton Segars In honor of Liz Awsumb Donnie & Mary Margaret Snow Marlene Soto Streater Spencer In honor of Johnny and Coco Collier Chris & Claudia Strailman Ethan & Nicole Stranch Mr. & Mrs. James G. Stranch III In honor of Wilkes Stranch Denise & Sledge Taylor In honor of Sherry Emerson's retirement and in honor of Dr. Andy Surber Amber & Derek Thacker Russ Thompson Dr. Heather S. Tillman In memory of Gloria Mize The Tipton Family In honor of Kate Carr Durbin Kelly & Sharon Truitt Vicki, Madison, and Thomas Walk The Walker Family Lyle Wardlaw & John Weeden Audrey Webster Mr. & Ms. Douglas M. Weissinger Edith & Reid Whitaker Dr. & Mrs. Brad Wilkinson Caroline & Bill Willson In honor of Mrs. Meyer and Mrs. Muller Ellyse & Austin Woolard Stewart & Angie Young GSL SAINT A gift of $1-$99 Anonymous (7) Elizabeth & John Adrian In honor of Marilyn Kidd Drs. Shameel Ahmad & Shirin Golkar Deborah Nelson Aleman In honor of Reid and Ivy Aleman Haley & Paula Annable Erik & Sarah Ball Harper Behnke Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas A. Blackwell Mr. Benjamin T. Brewer Mr. George F. Brewer Carol Buchman Sam Carr John Thomas Fisher Carr Jr. ’03 Tucker Carr Ms. Frances E. Cates Amanda Coile
Mr. & Mrs. George Connor In honor of Maggie Connor Katherine M. Consola Ms. Bianca Divito-Brown Kynis P. Douglas In honor of Kylie J. Jackson ’19 Dr. Cheran Elangovan & Mrs. Shree Gandhirajhu Dale Farrimond Mr. & Mrs. William Franklin General Mills Boxtops for Education Tessa Gilbertson & Family Amanda Hamilton The Harrison Family Natalie Hendry Abby Hensley Abby Huber In memory of Doug McClew Jerry & Amy Hudson Audrey & Romain Ibled Ms. Elaine Jegi Krista Johnson Lynne M. Johnson Ms. Amelia Kerr Mr. Andrew W. Kerr Steve & Cindy Keywood In honor of Ellis R. Smith Katie Longoria Christin Mains Ms. Piper Martin Drew & Susan Mascolino Mr. & Mrs. H. Stuart Maxwell Virginia McLean Angela Merideth Will & Emily Merrell Mr. & Mrs. William N. Muller Sr. Allison Musick In honor of Sara Ralston Mr. & Mrs. L.B. Myhr Jr. In honor of Hayes and Clara Smith Mary Nowak The Park Girls Wilson Phillips Matthew & Heather Preston Faye Kenner Rainer Larry & Shari Ray In honor of Teddy Segars Charles P. Rowland Jay Sansing Mrs. Jordan Schieffler Mr. & Mrs. R. Alexander Scott Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Searle Morgan & Wil Slatery Ms. Staci Somerville Harmony & Christopher Swenson Maggie Taylor Grace Robinson Terhune In honor of Marci Deshaies Woodmansee Gretchen Gassner Turley Ms. Kelsey Tuten Kat Vinton Suzanne W. Wexler In honor of GSL's 75th Reunion Party Phillip, Ginny & Jesse Wilcox Betsy & Preston Wilson THE BULLET CLUB GSL Alumni Donors Nelson Adrian ’96 John C. Adrian ’98 Harper A. Behnke ’22 Alex Boggs ’02 Benjamin Brewer ’20 George Brewer ’21 Margaret Stephenson Burress ’05 Bryan Callahan ’01 Sam Carr ’99 John Thomas Fisher Carr Jr. ’03
Tucker Carr ’04 Frances Cates ’17 Anna Branham Chahal ’00 Gordon Conaway ’00 Kacey Hickey Davies ’86 Caroline Gardner Donlin ’97 Cal Edge ’10 Eric Elms ’88 Mary Evelyn Fore ’91 Kendall Jones Franklin ’04 Tessa Gilbertson ’21 Robert Goff ’01 Annie Gerber Griffin ’98 Henry Grosvenor ’83 Andrew Harris ’18 Ashlee Rivalto Hendry ’01 Natalie Hendry ’05 Bryce Hendry ’02 Abby Huber ’10 Kenny Jabbour ’79 Albert Johnson ’89 Ken Jones ’82 Amelia Kerr ’14 Andrew Kerr ’18 Ariel Laws ’03 Will Maddox ’00 Eric Martin ’84 Kelly Gault Martin ’92 Donald McClure ’02 Katie Stephenson McDermott ’03 Virginia McLean ’21 Jeanne Myrick McMillen ’76 Ashley Adams Park ’02 Mike Parker ’85 Mat Parker ’84 Sophie Askew Parker ’91 Price Peacock ’03 Wilson Phillips ’00 Wesley Phillips ’98 Rand Pointer ’79 Philip H. Pontius ’99 Ann Frizzell Pretzer ’94 Faye Kenner Rainer ’01 Charles P. Rowland ’20 Jay Sansing ’91 Brian Schaffler ’84 Jordan Upton Schieffler ’08 Elizabeth Shannon ’65 Clay Smythe ’82 Chris Strailman ’98 Justin Taylor ’92 Maggie Taylor '22 Grace Robinson Terhune ’83 Kelly Truitt ’79 Gretchen Gassner Turley ’79 Lex Ward ’79 Lyle Wardlaw ’89 Audrey Webster ’05 Bruce Williams ’58 Ken Woodmansee ’81 Marci Deshaies Woodmansee ’83 FACULTY & STAFF Liz Awsumb Elizabeth Bayzie Shannon Benitone Brenda Berry Julie Binder Victoria Blackwell Carol Buchman Meg Burress ’05 Debbie Callahan Allyson Campbell Noah Campbell Anna Chahal ’00 Annie Chisholm Courtney Ciaramitaro Amanda Coile Blair Connor Katherine Consola
Sherry Emerson Mimmie Fisher Lyn Forsyth Daniel Fundo Carrie Galphin Amanda Hamilton Anden Hamilton Ellen Hendry Abby Hensley Cynthia Hill Antonio Hinton Kirsten Horton Darin Isom Braden Jensen Marilyn Kidd Rick Kohlhof Ariel Laws ’03 Felicity Letsou Katie Longoria Piper Martin Marti McCloud Shelly McGuire Angela Merideth Emily Merrell Mary Catherine Moore Jessica Muller Carmen Navarro Sara Ralston Sarah Ranson Leslie Reddick Juan Roncal Jay Sansing ’91 Lee Schaffler Katie Searle Kevin Searle Kate Shelton Morgan Slatery Mary Margaret Snow Cindy Sorrells Marlene Soto Andy Surber Harmony Swenson Russ Thompson Kelsey Tuten Kat Vinton Jeff White Kimberly White Jane Williams Jan Willis Laura Lemly Willis Marci Woodmansee ’83 Ellyse Woolard GIVING BY CLASS OF 2023 Tracy Adkisson & Brad Terhune The Binder Family Dr. Heather Conklin & Mr. Tom Leitzell Chris & Jennifer Cothern Jim Curry Mary Evelyn & Dan Fore James & Joy Hoffman Lauren Kenworthy Marti & Doug McCloud David & Julie Nanney Mr. & Mrs. Chris Roberts Stacy & Dewey Smith Traci & Mark Strickland Stewart & Angie Young GIVING BY CLASS OF 2024 The Callahans David Hanson & Christina Ross Dr. & Mrs. Andy High Jeffrey Jackson & Ellen Daugherty Mr. & Mrs. Albert Johnson Allison & Kevin Leslie Kelly & Eric Martin Margaret & Alec McLean Will & Emily Merrell Drs. Joseph & Judy Mixon
Mary & Paul Morris Mr. & Mrs. Luis Orbegoso Ben Thompson Judy Toler GIVING BY CLASS OF 2025 Anonymous Mr. & Mrs. Benjamin Barksdale Shannon & Tyler Benitone Andrew & Sarah Colley Mary Evelyn & Dan Fore The Fundo Family Laura & Josh Gettys The Glassman Family Jennifer Hagerman Drs. Walter & Mary Ellen Hoehn Audrey & Romain Ibled Dr. & Mrs. Tim Jancelewicz Mr. & Mrs. Albert Johnson Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Keough Mr. & Mrs. Zachary Moore Zach & Ann Pretzer Drs. Andrew & Jennifer Rixon Jenny & Rob Robertson Mr. & Dr. Andrew B. Sanders Allen Schwager Sharon & Josh Shipley Molly & Russell Smith Ms. Staci Somerville Lauren & Justin Taylor Dr. Heather S. Tillman Lyle Wardlaw & John Weeden Casey & Ashley West Dr. & Mrs. Brad Wilkinson GIVING BY CLASS OF 2026 Anna & Angus Blair Mike & Natalie Davis Mimmie & Brian Fisher Mr. & Mrs. Ryan E. Gibbs The Glassman Family Dr. & Mrs. Andy High Michael Howard & Arleen Hill Carrie & Jack Irvine Drs. Casey & Joanna Laizure Mr. & Mrs. Zachary Moore Drs. Brent Orr & Julie A. Markham GIVING BY CLASS OF 2027 Anonymous Mr. & Mrs. Franklin G. Barton IV Tom & Thaler Beasley Dr. & Mrs. Schorr Behnke Lara & Daniel Breen The Callahans The Cannon Family Brandon & Ellen Flechas Kirby & Glenn Floyd Mr. & Mrs. Jonathan T. Flynt The Fundo Family Laura & Josh Gettys Heather & Henry Grosvenor Audrey & Romain Ibled Dickson & Julie Logan Melody McAnally & John Lawrence Mary & Will Maddox Kelly & Eric Martin Logan & Simone Meeks Drs. Andrew & Jennifer Rixon Dr. Brad & Crady Schneider Molly & Russell Smith Mr. & Mrs. John C. Thatcher IV Lang & Isabel Gonzalez Whitaker Caroline & Bill Willson Stewart & Angie Young GIVING BY CLASS OF 2028 Anonymous
The Balk Family Mr. & Mrs. Benjamin Barksdale The Bayzie Family Tom & Thaler Beasley Anna & Angus Blair Anthony & Janelle Calzia Dr. Sara & Mr. Thomas Federico Mimmie & Brian Fisher Jacque & Stacy Gardner Mr. & Mrs. Ryan E. Gibbs James & Joy Hoffman Dr. & Mrs. Tim Jancelewicz Mr. Frank E. McCarty & Ms. Nicole F. McCarty Phil & Jennifer McCarty Michael & Kristen McGlasson Mary & Paul Morris Mr. & Mrs. John R. Owen Jr. Zach & Ann Pretzer Mr. & Dr. Andrew B. Sanders Benjamin & Amie Sheffer Sharon & Josh Shipley GIVING BY CLASS OF 2029 The Balk Family Preston & Jacqueline Butts Mr. & Mrs. Jack Cantrell Jr. Mimmie & Brian Fisher Sarah & Matt Gallagher Patrick & Carrie Galphin Mr. & Mrs. Alexander W. Gordon III Melanee Hannock & Teresa Sweeney Jeffrey Jackson & Ellen Daugherty Will & Emily Merrell Allison Musick Landon & Lindsey Myers Dr. & Mrs. Wesley Phillips Drs. Stephen Pishko & Whitney Sanders Mr. & Mrs. Philip Pontius Donnie & Mary Margaret Snow Chris Wood & Christa George GIVING BY CLASS OF 2030 Anonymous (2) The Aleman Family Drs. Addis Asfaw & Meron Teshome Kellan & Margaux Bartosch Anthony & Janelle Calzia Kate Durbin Mr. & Mrs. Michael East Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Jonathan T. Flynt Drs. Jerry & Elizabeth Gilless Audrey & Romain Ibled Dr. & Mrs. Tim Jancelewicz Steven & Allison King Mary & Will Maddox Martha McCool Michael & Kristen McGlasson Daniel & Katherine Riederer Rainey & Coleton Segars Benjamin & Amie Sheffer Jennie & Jim Silk Amber & Derek Thacker Caroline & Bill Willson GIVING BY CLASS OF 2031 Anonymous Mr. & Mrs. Scott S. Adams Tricia & Nelson Adrian Drs. Shameel Ahmad & Shirin Golkar The Aleman Family Cade & Marissa Benedict Dr. Lucy L. Bruijn Anthony & Janelle Calzia The Cannon Family Anna Chahal Dr. Heather Conklin & Mr. Tom Leitzell Brandon & Ellen Flechas FALL 2023
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Amy & Emmel Golden Mr. & Mrs. M. Taylor Hewgley Keating & Patrick Lowery Mr. & Mrs. William N. Muller Sr. Landon & Lindsey Myers Sophie & Mat Parker Dr. Brad & Crady Schneider Eric & Lauren Sefton The Shelat Family Drs. Brendan Williams & Danielle Harrell GIVING BY CLASS OF 2032 Kellan & Margaux Bartosch Cade & Marissa Benedict The Catalani Family Mr. Joshua Cunningham & Ms. Nicola da Roza Mr. Charles Gross & Dr. Keaton Gross The Harrison Family Derek & Kirsten Horton Krista Johnson Drs. Balaji Krishnaiah & Jennifer Lee Mr. & Mrs. H. Stuart Maxwell Mr. & Mrs. John R. Owen Jr. The Park Girls Drs. Stephen Pishko & Whitney Sanders Matthew & Heather Preston Daniel & Katherine Riederer Ethan & Nicole Stranch Mr. & Ms. Douglas M. Weissinger GIVING BY CLASS OF 2033 Tricia & Nelson Adrian Drs. Shameel Ahmad & Shirin Golkar Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas A. Blackwell Preston & Jacqueline Butts Anna Chahal Jason & Whitney Dowdy Mr. & Mrs. David French Amy & Emmel Golden Morgan & Camille Griswold Ellen Whitten & Vince Harrigan Drs. Casey & Joanna Laizure Mr. & Mrs. Stephen B. Lewis Mr. & Mrs. Grant McDermott Dr. & Mrs. Wesley Phillips Mr. & Mrs. Philip Pontius Stefan & Shine Schattgen Mr. & Mrs. R. Alexander Scott Sarah Hunter Simanson & Andrew Fields GIVING BY CLASS OF 2034 Anonymous Mr. & Mrs. Scott S. Adams Haley & Paula Annable Erik & Sarah Ball The Bayzie Family Meg & Austin Burress The Catalani Family Annie & Ambrose Chisholm Mr. & Mrs. George Connor Dr. Cheran Elangovan & Mrs. Shree Gandhirajhu Ashlee & Bryce Hendry Mr. & Mrs. M. Taylor Hewgley Derek & Kirsten Horton Drs. Balaji Krishnaiah & Jennifer Lee Mr. & Mrs. William N. Muller Sr. The Park Girls Price & Dan Peacock Sarah Hunter Simanson & Andrew Fields Marianne & McLean Smith Barbara & Brie Wallace Elizabeth & Scott Warren Ellyse & Austin Woolard
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DONOR-DRIVEN GIVING THROUGH FOUNDATIONS AND MATCHING GIFTS Benevity Community Impact Fund Christian Community Foundation of Memphis & the Mid-South, Inc. Community Foundation for Mississippi Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta Community Foundation of Greater Memphis Fidelity Charitable First Horizon Foundation Frontstream Connect Medtronic Merrill Lynch & Co. Foundation, Inc. One4All Charitable Fund Pledgeling Foundation Raymond James Charitable Schwab Charitable
DESIGNATED GIFTS GSL LIBRARY Joseph Howard Ms. Allison Musick Virginia & Michael Rowland FINANCIAL AID Mr. & Mrs. George T. Johnson LOWER SCHOOL CLASSROOM FURNITURE Dr. Jeffrey Jackson & Dr. Ellen Daugherty Mr. & Mrs. Logan E. Meeks ANCHOR CENTER HEAT EXCHANGERS Mr. Michael Howard & Dr. Arleen Hill Mr. & Mrs. John H. Pontius GSL’S 75th ANNIVERSARY Mr. and Mrs. Chris W. Bird Sr. and Dillard Door & Security, Inc. Clay Smythe SECURITY ENHANCEMENTS Anonymous (3) Corinne & Bob Adrian Larry & Sheila Alexander Haley & Paula Annable Mr. & Mrs. Franklin G. Barton IV Tom & Thaler Beasley Sara & Bob Berendt Mr. & Mrs. Charles Bolton Dr. Lucy Bruijn The Catalani Family Chris & Jennifer Cothern Mr. & Mrs. Craig Doucet Mr. & Mrs. Ronald E. Dumas Dr. Cheran Elangovan & Mrs. Shree Gandhirajhu Mr. & Mrs. Edward A. Ezekiel Lyn Forsyth Laura & Josh Gettys The Glassman Family Amy & Emmel Golden Ms. Katie Gore Mr. Charles Gross & Dr. Keaton Gross Mr. & Mrs. Michael J. Harris Mr. & Mrs. R. Davis Howe Ms. Elaine Jegi Mrs. Judy Johnson Mr. & Mrs. Allan Lips Jim & Lisa Maddox Mr. Frank E. McCarty & Ms. Nicole F. McCarty Anita & Mike McCarty
Jane & Randy McCord Ms. Karen Meeks Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Musashe and The Jander Group, Inc. Barry & Janet Musick Matthew & Heather Preston Jenny & Rob Robertson Dancey Trabue Sanders Jay Sansing Benjamin & Amie Sheffer Glenda & Gary Shorb Susan & Tom Stephenson Traci & Mark Strickland Barbara & Brie Wallace Elizabeth & Scott Warren Drs. Brendan Williams & Danielle Harrell Jan Willis & Laura Lemly Willis
GIFTS TO MISS LEE’S PRESCHOOL IN MEMORY OF DEBORAH LOWE Tom & Thaler Beasley Brenda & Jason Berry Cindy & Kevin Brewer Meg & Austin Burress Jim Curry Dr. Sara & Mr. Thomas Federico Debbie & Jim Flaherty Kirby & Glenn Floyd Megan & Steele Ford Mary Evelyn & Dan Fore Lyn Forsyth Mr. & Mrs. Ryan E. Gibbs Mr. & Mrs. Albert Johnson Amelia Kerr Andrew Kerr Mrs. Marilyn C. Kidd Ariel LaShaun Laws Margaret & Alec McLean Logan & Simone Meeks The Reverend John E. Merchant Chapman & Chip Morrow Mrs. Linda L. Niell Anne Phillips Wilson Phillips Drs. Stephen Pishko & Whitney Sanders Holly & Mark Renken Drs. Andrew & Jennifer Rixon Stacy & Dewey Smith Ms. Staci Somerville The Walker Family Phillip, Ginny & Jesse Wilcox Caroline & Bill Willson
HONORARIUM AND MEMORIAL GIFTS IN HONOR OF Brenda Berry and Ellen Hendry Margaret & Alec McLean Carrie Galphin, Marti McCloud, Amanda Meyer, Juan Roncal and Katie Searle Bruce & Jane Williams Coach Nick Scully Marci & Ken Woodmansee Coaches Webster Cannon and Logan Taylor Margaret & Alec McLean Pat Dickson Anne Phillips Sherry Emerson Brenda & Jason Berry Debbie Callahan Ms. Martha Dale Farrimond
Mrs. Marilyn C. Kidd Kate & James Shelton Denise & Sledge Taylor Jenn & Ryan Gibbs Brenda & Jason Berry Estelle and Helen Graham Mr. & Mrs. James Hinson Marilyn Kidd Brenda & Jason Berry Debbie Callahan Sherry & Jeff Emerson Kate & James Shelton Denise & Sledge Taylor Jan Willis & Laura Lemly Willis Amanda Meyer Dr. & Mrs. Schorr Behnke Room Parents Hayley Hudson and Jennifer Rixon Bruce & Jane Williams Room Parents Teresa Sweeney and April Proveaux Sara Ralston Thomas and Wise Stephenson Mr. & Mrs. Craig Doucet Lauren & Justin Taylor Brenda & Jason Berry Jane Williams Dr. & Mrs. Schorr Behnke Brenda & Jason Berry Debbie Callahan IN MEMORY OF Susan Benson Ms. Lisa Landman & Mr. David Loges Andy “Pappy” Branham Pam Branham Martha Dale Farrimond Anonymous Mrs. Carol K. Baker Mr. & Mrs. L.E. Devall Mrs. Zada H. Gates Dr. Douglas M. MacGaw Barry & Janet Musick Ms. Jane Timson Herrold Hanson Jeff & Sherry Emerson Elizabeth Whitlock Haynes ’98 Terry Bosen Michael Bushell Mr. & Mrs. Timothy M. Bushell Debbie Callahan Tony & Reta Couch Ellen & Jere Fones Patti Newsom Lewis The Reverend John E. Merchant John & Trish Pontius Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Southard Robert Sternburgh Chris & Claudia Strailman Mrs. Lucy Underwood Mr. & Mrs. David Weeks Betsy & Preston Wilson Eddy Herbert Debbie Callahan Jeff & Sherry Emerson Deborah Lowe Sherry & Jeff Emerson Pat Magruder Sherry & Jeff Emerson Jelena Sansing Kacey Hickey Davies ’86 & Brian Davies Sherry & Jeff Emerson Mary Truitt Sherry & Jeff Emerson Mrs. Marilyn C. Kidd Gretchen Gassner Turley
ALUMNI DESK
FROM THE ALUMNI DESK Hello, Saints Alumni! We are delighted to submit this update from your Alumni Association Board. Led by Chair Ross Larson ’05, the Alumni Board helps the school as needed to keep the larger alumni community connected to GSL through periodic gatherings and larger reunion events. Members gathered in May to meet new Head of School Andy Surber and debrief on the successful 75th Anniversary event held in August 2022. Current Alumni Board members are: Ellen Wills Ball ’06, Mitchell Bennett ’08, Alex Boggs ’02, Herb Cochrane ’81, Chad Cunningham ’01, Cal Edge ’10, Kendall Jones Franklin ’04, John Gary ’79, Mitch Graves ’79, Mark Griffin ’98, John Houseal ’91, Abby Huber ’10, Ross Larson ’05, Sisco Larson ’03, Will Maddox ’00, Katie Stephenson McDermott ’03, Travis Nauert ’06, Brian Schaffler ’84, Claire Sentilles ’11, Virginia Sharp ’85, Matt Sights ’01, Audrey Webster ’05, Kay Wills ’78, and Scott Woodmansee ’76. After the new year, we’ll hold an Alumni Meet & Greet for local alumni 21 and over. Be on the lookout for more information! And in the meantime, please stay in touch. Following GSL on social media is an easy way to do that – we are on Facebook (with a school page and alumni association page) and on Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn. Please share, follow, and like us! If you want to be more directly involved, please know that GSL welcomes alumni interested in coaching Middle School sports teams. Alumni are also encouraged to apply for teaching and After School Care positions. To volunteer for coaching, email rkohlhof@gslschool.org. To submit a resume, visit the website at: gslschool.org/about-gsl/careers. And guess what? GSL’s Spirit Wear recently went online! Now you can easily refresh your Saints swag with a click of a button. Just click on Spirit Store in the top red navigation bar of the school’s website (gslschool.org) or scan the QR code at right. We appreciate your continued support, and we look forward to seeing everyone again soon! GO, SAINTS!!! #lukersforlife
From left: Alumni Board members Abby Huber ’10, Mitchell Bennett ’08, Claire Sentilles ’11, Travis Nauert ’06, Katie Stephenson McDermott ’03, Kendall Jones Franklin ’04, Brian Schaffler ’84, Matt Sights ’01, Chad Cunningham ’01, and Head of School Andy Surber at Wiseacre in May.
Alumni Association Board Chair Ross Larson ’05 attended Graduation in May to join Head of School Andy Surber in presenting the Alumni Ambassador Award to Andrew Strickland ’23. (Fun fact: Larson was the winner of the inaugural Alumni Ambassador Award in 2005!) FALL 2023
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ALUMNI NEWS
LUKERS FOR LIFE ALUMNI NEWS ’03 Katie Stephenson
’80 Jenny Jon Jarratt is an account
McDermott (pictured this fall at the Lead Donor Party with former Head of School Tom Beazley) is co-chairing GSL’s Anchor Auction, the school’s largest fundraiser. The event will be held on April 12, 2024 at Old Dominick Distillery, which was founded by Alex Canale ’95.
manager with UPS and lives in Hampton Cove, Ala.
’87
Brad McCarley teamed up with Buster’s Liquors & Wines to open Buster’s Butcher Shop in East Memphis in August. The store was featured in an article in the Daily Memphian on August 28. McCarley personally curates everything, from the meats, snacks, and spices, to the cookbooks and other local products. Previously, he was the chef and manager at Salt | Soy, owned City Block Salumeria in Puck Food Hall, and was the head butcher at Porcellino’s for the Enjoy A|M Restaurant Group. (Alongside the house-made butcher shop products, customers can pick up Carvill Hill Kitchen cheese straws made by alumna Marci Deshaies Woodmansee ’83.)
’92
Kelly Gault Martin (pictured with husband Eric ’84) was featured in the September 2023 issue of River City Lifestyle magazine discussing fall fashions and her store, Indigo, which is located in the Regalia Center. She was also recognized this fall in the Memphis Business Journal Women Who Lead, Retail Sector series honoring the work she has done founding and cultivating Indigo for 20+ years.
’03 Blue Note Bourbon
co-founder McCauley Williams recently launched Alma del Jaguar Tequila, a sustainably produced spirits brand. Working with a fifth-generation tequila producer in Mexico, Williams also made conservation of wild jaguars one of the company’s priorities. His story was featured in the Daily Memphian in June. (Photo by Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
’05 Ross Larson and Meg Burress coached GSL’s varsity volleyball team this fall, and the team won its third consecutive Shelby 7/8 League Championship title! Burress is also a Little Lukers Lead Teacher at GSL. Larson serves as GSL’s Alumni Board President and is the wine buyer for her family’s business, Joe’s Liquors.
’06
Austin Magruder works for Red Ace Capital Management in Dallas.
’08 Mitchell Bennett
’99 These alumni made time for a Saints photo
during their 20th CBHS and St. Agnes high school reunion parties this fall! From left: Philip Pontius, Evie Maddox Wood, Jenny Towery Decker, Kate Lassandrello Letson, Clair McCalla, Sissy Askew, and David Pontius.
’01
Elizabeth Ennis joined the Methodist Foundation team at Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare managing annual giving for the hospital system. 28
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’01 Daniel Williams
and wife Brittany welcomed a daughter, Margaux Byrd Williams, on August 1.
recently left a Big 4 public accounting firm to join Memphis-based Buckman Laboratories as the global corporate controller. He and his wife Alexandra have one son, Miller, and live in Olive Branch, Miss.
’08
Webb Emerson has launched his new company, FORM Design Build, which will provide a comprehensive suite of services including design build services, general contracting, and pre-construction services to allow a seamless and relational experience for clients across the Southeast. “We want our clients to not only come away with their dream build but enjoy the process from start to finish,” he says. Learn more at form-designbuild.com.
ALUMNI NEWS ’12 Ruthie Harwood, ’08 Tunkie Saunders and Abby Delisi were married July 15 in Lake Tahoe, Nev.
’08 Henry Valk is the
senior product manager at Pison.
’11 Suzanne McGehee
joined the GSL team in August as a Little Lukers Assistant Teacher. She works in the Cheerful Cheetahs room with Lead Teacher and alumna Ariel Laws ’03.
Gabe Hanna, Russell Sands, and Hannah Meacham enjoyed a North Mississippi All-Stars show at Railgarten in September.
’14
Hudson Brown has joined Capital Sotheby’s International Realty Team in Little Rock.
’10 Saints in Amsterdam! Drew
’14
Evans and Andrew Crosby during travels this summer in Europe. Evans currently lives in Memphis, and Crosby recently moved to Denver.
Alexander Caryiannis started medical school at UTHSC this fall.
’14
Emma White, stage manager for Clyde's at Circuit Playhouse last season, was nominated in the Outstanding Overall Production, Play, Division I category.
’10 Abby Huber and
sister Margo ’13 teamed up this fall to coach 7/8 JV volleyball at GSL. During the day, Abby serves as congregational life associate and assistant to the Rector at Grace-St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, while Margo teaches high school physics at St. Mary’s Episcopal School.
’11 Adele Fish and
Suzanne McGehee visited with Middle School Performing Arts Teacher Leslie Reddick this summer about Adele’s theater project with participants at Bridges.
’11 Mary Peyton Bell graduated in
May from the University of Memphis with a master’s degree in social work. She is currently employed at Compass Intervention Center as a behavioral and mental health therapist.
’17
Stephen Cates, a junior at Texas Christian University, worked as an analyst in Dallas for a small commercial real estate fund called Viceroy Investments this summer. He participated in the acquisition process of multiple properties and got an inside look into property and asset management and property valuations by attending meetings with brokers, property owners, tenants, and lenders. While working, he completed the A.CRE Accelerator real estate modeling course. “It was an incredible experience that solidified my interest in the business,” he says. “I really enjoyed the ‘blocking and tackling’ of the business, such as researching property values and doing site tours.”
’15 Bella Schaffer graduated from TCU with a degree in nursing and joined Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital as a pediatric nurse.
’16
Caroline Couch served as a producer for her first theatrical show in New York City this summer. As a producer, Couch managed the business aspects of the show’s run, from marketing on social media to crowdfunding and promoting ticket sales. Now a senior at New York University, she is studying public policy and history and recently completed an internship with the Metropolitan Opera’s development department. (Photo courtesy of Hutchison)
’17
Keenan Surber is attending the University of California, Berkeley to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering.
’11 Pierce Jones (center) and Maddie Bolen were married July 22 in Kansas City. In
attendance were Saints Tess Emerson ’14, David Scharff, Hannah Jones ’09, Kendall Jones Franklin ’04, Webb Emerson ’08, Cole Adams, and Connor Truitt. FALL 2023
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ALUMNI NEWS
’19
Logan Surber graduated from Dos Pueblos High School and is attending Santa Barbara City College.
’17
Frances Cates, a junior at the University of Texas-Austin, completed an 11-week research internship at St. Jude through the Pediatric Oncology Education Program this summer. Students attended daily lectures about different topics in pediatric oncology in addition to research. She worked in the Department of Radiation Oncology with her mentor, Dr. Thomas Merchant, on a clinical research project about hypothalamic syndrome in patients with craniopharyngioma. She presented her results at the end of the summer, wrote an initial report, and will continue to work on the project this year.
’19 Tya Bostick is
attending the University of Memphis where she is majoring in Early Childhood Education. She received the River City Partnership Scholarship, the Hope Scholarship, and a Trustee Award from the UofM.
’19
Jack Gerald earned a National Gold Medal for his photo, American Photosynthesis, in the annual Scholastic Arts and Writing competition. The photo was a black and white shot of a friend swimming underwater in a pool that he took with his phone. Gerald entered the competition every year since his freshman year at Lausanne, and of the nine pieces he entered this year, eight won awards.
’19
’19
Avery Arkle, Ella Woodmansee, Isabelle Mansour, Emma Couch, Emery Brown, and Angela Jacobs at Hutchison’s college t-shirt day in May.
In spring awards ceremonies at Hutchison, Berklee Scifres received the Mary Elisabeth Tipton Athletic Leadership Award and Angela Jacobs won the Annette C. Smith Community Award.
’19
Winnie Wilson graduated from Oxford High School in May and started college at the University of Virginia this fall, where she plans to major in Political Philosophy, Policy & Law.
’19
Lausanne presented the following year-end awards to these Saints:
’19
Isabelle Mansour was named Sting Fling Queen last spring at Hutchison. She was also honored by her classmates by being selected the Meg Thomas Student Speaker, who traditionally speaks for the class at Hutchison’s Commencement ceremony in May.
’19
Britton Hare was CBHS Class Valedictorian, among other senior accolades. (Photo courtesy of CBHS)
’19
Emery Brown was president of the Thespian Society at Hutchison. 30
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Nick Dyer: National Merit Certificate Nancy Cliff: Excellence in Psychology and History
’19 Ella Woodmansee
placed first in the triple jump competition with a distance of 33 feet, 7.75 inches at the regional track meet finals in May.
’19
Eliot Morris was awarded the D. Eugene Thorn Award at Memphis University School, which is given to members of the senior class who best represent the characteristics of dignity, integrity, humility, and sincerity.
’19
Emma Couch served as president of Quill and Scroll Honor Society at Hutchison.
’19
Jack Gerald: New Visions Award
’20
Zelia Cedeno-Avila was selected to attend Tennessee Governor’s School programs this past summer, studying Computational Physics at Austin Peay State University.
Gus Schaffler graduated from Christian Brothers High School and is now in the Honors Program at the University of California, Santa Barbara.
ALUMNI NEWS
’20 Emmy Roberts and
Cooper Shannon were each elected as senior class president at their respective high schools, Hutchison and MUS.
The following Saints at Hutchison were inducted into academic or arts honor societies in the spring: Front row: Zelia Cedeno-Avila ’20, Nora Jacobs ’22, Emmy Roberts ’20, Isabelle Mansour ’19, Angela Jacobs ’19, Virginia Unglesby ’21; Back row: Ella Woodmansee ’19, Emery Brown ’19, Rebecca Burnett ’20, Emma Couch ’19, Hannah Dunlap ’21; not pictured: Haley Floyd ’21.
’20
MUS seniors Harry Feild and Henry Duncan were recognized as National Merit Commended Scholars.
’21 Ruby Martin earned the English award and Outstanding Student for Lausanne Design Agency award this spring.
’20
’20
Leading the Civic Service Organization at Memphis University School are President Henry Duncan and Vice President Kai Barnes. They were named recipients of the President's Volunteer Service Award in the spring. Barnes was also elected Director of Creativity and Promotions for the MUS Student Council. Duncan received the Washington and Lee University Book Award at MUS this spring. (Photo courtesy of MUS)
’20 Henry Duncan,
Knox Brown, and George Henley at the MUS Senior Breakfast in August.
Hays Prather helped Hutchison and MUS lacrosse coaches conduct a lacrosse clinic this fall at GSL for students interested in learning about the sport. Prather is also serving this year as the Student Council Commissioner of Social Events at MUS.
’21 Liam Martin earned
the Physics award and the Personal Project award at Lausanne this spring.
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’21 Lanie Schaffler was
’20
MUS senior Marley White earned a Bronze Medal in French III on the National French Exam this spring. He also received the University of Vermont Citizen Scholar Book Award. The award goes to high school students who demonstrate a spirit of citizenship and scholarship. Photo courtesy of MUS
’23
Stella Dyer enjoyed a visit from her GSL friend Katherine Cobb Schneider ’31 after a Hutchison volleyball game this fall.
inducted as commissioner of publicity for St. Agnes Academy’s student government this spring. She also serves as an admissions ambassador and is on the varsity cheer team.
’22
The following Saints alumni were recognized with year-end honors at Lausanne: Sam Mascolino: History Aiden Orr: Virtual Reality and Math Dar Zafer: Programming as a 2nd Language
Middle School Spanish Teacher Kimberley Morrison and St. Mary's freshman Ellery Kuebler at the Class of 2023 Yearbook Signing event.
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Hutchison freshman Anna Ratton and St. Mary’s Episcopal School freshman Margaret Fore pitched in at the Snowden Field concession stand after attending GSL’s Homecoming Yearbook Signing in September. FALL 2023
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SAINTS SUPERLATIVES SPECTACULAR STUDENTS Jack Irvine ’26 won 6th place in his grade level for his oil pastel artwork in the Delta Fair’s Student Art Contest this fall.
2023-24 Student Council Members were elected at the start of school. Officers and representatives are as follows: Officers: Presidents Emerson Callahan ’24 and Ty Merrell ’24; Vice Presidents Ellie Barksdale ’25 and Zachary Moore ’25; and Secretary/Treasurer Campbell McLean ’24. 8th Grade Representatives: Lucian Hanson, Zoey High, and Edward Scrugham 7th Grade Representatives: Zoe Pretzer and Hayes Smith 6th Grade Representatives: Matilda Blair, Cameron Gibbs, and Julia Laizure 5th Grade Representatives: Libby Behnke and Hugo Ibled
Coached by Juan Roncal, the GSL golf team was the runner-up in the Shelby 7/8 League “A” Division tournament in September: Campbell McLean ’24, Levi Johnson ’24, Edward Scrugham ’24, Milo Jacobs ’24, and Grant Barger ’24. Johnson also placed 7th overall. Foster Gettys ’25 earned 7th place in the “B” division. Chandler Somerville ’25 won 1st place in Memphis in May International Festival’s Creative Writing Competition, for her submitted poem on Malaysia, the honored country this past spring. She received a certificate of recognition and a $200 prize.
NEW BABY SAINTS Director of Finance and Middle School Science Operations Teacher Morgan Slatery Daniel Fundo and wife and husband Wil Jenny welcomed daughter welcomed daughter Everleigh Katherine Fundo on Sloan Carter Slatery on September 14. June 6. 32
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Spring Thespian Award Winners (top row): Lucy Cothern ’23, Jamel LeFlore ’23, and Talat Thomas ’24 Certificate for Outstanding Participation in the 2022-23 Performance Season: Isabella Fundo ’27, Jack McKee ’27, and Foster McKenna ’27
The 7/8 varsity volleyball team achieved a three-peat, winning the Shelby 7/8 League title for the third consecutive year this fall! From left, Coach Ross Larson ’05, Sarah Jordan Houseal ’24, Zoey High ’24, Corinne Richardson ’24, Zoe Pretzer ’25, Emerson Callahan ’24, Claire Warner ’25, Lyla Rixon ’25, McKenzie Dentley ’25, Elizabeth Thompson ’24, and Coach Meg Burress ’05.
FANTASTIC FACULTY Director of Advancement Brenda Berry and Little Lukers Teacher Meg Burress ’05 were accepted to the Tennessee Association of Independent Schools (TAIS) 2023-24 New and Emerging Leaders Program. The curriculum for this small, cohortbased program develops personal and interpersonal leadership skills of independent school leaders while deepening their understanding of the unique qualities, challenges, opportunities, and constituents in independent schools.
IN MEMORIAM Joel Vivian Campbell Alexander GSL Art Teacher, 1983-94 July 28, 1935 - July 25, 2023
Mrs. A at GSL, 1983
Known fondly as “Mrs. A” by her students, retired GSL Art Teacher Joel Alexander passed away at home on July 25, surrounded by family. A native Memphian, she is survived by her husband of 67 years, James Robert Alexander, two children, five grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren, among other family members.
Joel had a delightfully playful spirit, which shone through her whimsical sculptures and her talent of teaching art. Lower School Art Teacher Carol Buchman described her as a mentor and dear friend, and continued Joel’s tradition of making clay angels with every grade when she joined GSL after Joel retired (see sidebar at right). A ceramic artist and member of the Memphis Potters Guild for 35 years, Joel could often be found in her “little house” in her backyard sculpting pet portraits and expressive angels. She was a member of Artist Link and a beloved member of the Memphis art community.
Susan Jayne Benson ’79 June 16, 1964–June 28, 2023
Susan Jayne Benson passed away June 28 after a brave six-year battle with cancer. She was 59 years old. She is survived by her mother Clyda Benson, a senior kindergarten assistant teacher at GSL from 1979-1996, brother Chip, who attended GSL through ninth grade in 1977, and her son, alumnus Jackson Beck ’09, among other family members.
Freshman Susan Benson, Freshman Year, 1979 Susan grew up in Midtown Memphis and attended Grace-
St. Luke's and Central High School. She continued her education at the University of Mississippi, the University of Tennessee, and the University of Memphis. She acquired certification as a sleep apnea specialist and served veterans at the VA Medical Center in Memphis. Susan loved to visit beaches and make jewelry from beads. She volunteered at Calvary Church during the Lenten season and will be dearly missed by her many longtime friends from grade school at GSL.
Elizabeth Whitlock Haynes ’98 June 10, 1983 - July 20, 2023
Elizabeth Whitlock, 8th Grade, 1998
Elizabeth Whitlock Haynes, 40, of Memphis, passed away on July 20. A cheerleader, volleyball and basketball player, and Student Council representative at GSL, Elizabeth went on to St. Agnes Academy for high school and then to Auburn University. She married Geoffrey Haynes on April 22, 2017, at Grace-St. Luke’s Church; their wedding was officiated by Father John Merchant, who was Head of School during Elizabeth’s time at GSL.
A friend to everyone she met, Elizabeth was passionate about cooking, SEC sports, reading, and music. She was a diehard Vanderbilt and Auburn fan, a wine connoisseur, and a bourbon enthusiast. She thoroughly enjoyed concerts, sporting events and spending time with her family. She is survived by husband Geoffrey, parents Larry and Debbie Whitlock, and brother Patrick Whitlock ’92, among other family members, and will be dearly missed.
TRADITION OF MENTORSHIP IN FINE ARTS AT GSL By Carol Buchman, Lower School Art Teacher
I met Joel Alexander 30 years ago at a national art education conference in Phoenix. We were fast friends from the start. I had just gotten my MFA and was looking for a job, and she was teaching at GSL. She introduced me to some people from the art department at Memphis City Schools and I was hired at Rozelle. So I moved from Boston to Memphis, where the only person I knew was Joel. I called her my Memphis aunty and she became my mentor. I observed her teaching and learned so much from her ways with children – always humorous, loving, and endlessly creative – all while expecting great work. Soon after she retired, I was hired to work at GSL, and I continued her tradition of making clay angels. I borrowed some of her expressions, like telling kids to sit “like the Mona Lisa, with a Mona Lisa smile.” She would sub for me, and often made the angels with the kids, which always came out way better than mine. In later years she would offer to come in just for fun, and I would have the pleasure of observing while she made angels or paper snowflakes with students. They loved her. I think she was one of those people that kids just automatically felt good and safe around. Today, I share Lower School teaching duties with alumna Anna Chahal ’00, who was one of Mrs. A’s star Lower School artists (one of her drawings has been hanging in the office for over 20 years!). Anna now calls me her art teacher mentor. I hope she can learn from me as much as I learned from Mrs. A. Lee Schaffler, our Middle School art teacher, also has had (and still maintains) a special mentor relationship with her predecessor here, Diane Glueck. Each of us has brought our own unique qualities to teaching art at GSL, thanks to the unwavering support and guidance of our dear mentors. FALL 2023
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Grace-St. Luke's Episcopal School 246 S. Belvedere Blvd. Memphis, TN 38104 gslschool.org
Non-Profit U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 927 Memphis, TN
Family Tradition For Saints alumni, the relationship with the school comes full circle when they grow up, become parents, and send their own children to GSL! We have more than 30 alumni families (that’s 50+ legacy students) on campus this year. We gathered as many of them as we could for this group photo at the All-School Picnic this fall. #lukersforlife! Alumni parents (and one grandparent!) with children, from left: Mary Evelyn Stevens Fore ’91, Alex Boggs ’02, Nelson Adrian ’96, Ward Robinson ’96, Philip Pontius ’99, William Payne ’03, Anna Branham Chahal ’00, Bryce Hendry ’02, Ashlee Rivalto Hendry ’01 (seated), Meg Stephenson Burress ’05, Ashley Adams Park ’02, Kendall Jones Franklin ’04, Lauren Langston Scrugham ’92, Will Maddox ’00 and wife Mary, Justin Taylor ’92, Theresa Reed Cassidy ’04 and mother Kathy Crocker Patterson ’79, Eric Martin ’84, Henry Grosvenor ’83 and wife Heather, and Albert Johnson ’89.